Big Hole Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. Open for reservations from June to early October. Lower gate is closed to motorized vehicles from December 1 to May 15.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Deer Creek Bridge Closure - Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event the Deer Creek Bridge on the Superior Ranger District was severely damaged and is unsafe for travel. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
25-021-Lolo-D4 Stony Creek Cutoff Closure
The Stony Creek Cutoff Road (Road #5490) is closed for protection of Forest Service stock.
241-023-Lolo-D3 Plant Creek Road Closure
Motor vehicles are prohibited on a portion of Plant Creek Road, National Forest System Road 2132, due to damage following the Miller Peak Fire on the Missoula Ranger District.
About
Big Hole Lookout offers a unique backcountry lodging experience in a historic fire lookout originally built in 1930 for the Cabinet National Forest. This rare Grange Hall-type lookout, one of only two remaining intact on the Lolo National Forest, was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. After decades of abandonment following its 1972 closure for fire detection, volunteers restored the structure, and it opened for public rental in 2021. The 14-by-14-foot log structure sits atop a short talus foundation and can accommodate up to four people. Inside, guests will find a twin bed with mattress pad, two cots, a wood stove, and a table with two chairs. A vault toilet is located about 200 feet from the lookout. The site commands an impressive 360-degree view of valleys and mountain ranges and serves as a base for exploring non-motorized trails in the area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with the surrounding forest home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, black bears, and grizzly bears. Access requires a 3-mile, easy-to-moderate hike, bike, or horseback ride on the Big Hole Lookout Trail. The trailhead is reached via a steep, winding 60-90 minute drive from Plains, Montana. Guests must be self-sufficient, packing in all water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as well as bedding, cooking equipment and fuel, utensils, flashlights, matches, and toilet paper. A spring with non-potable water is located 3/4 mile downhill from the lookout. Firewood may be collected locally. The area experiences cold, wet, or damp weather even when valley temperatures are warm, so guests should prepare accordingly.
Directions
From Plains, Montana travel northwest on Highway 200 for approximately 7.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887). From Thompson Falls, Montana travel southeast on Highway 200 for approximately 17.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887). Turn north onto Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887) and travel approximately 3 miles to Big Hole Road (FR 5587) and turn left. Travel the Big Hole Road for approximately 17.5 miles to the Big Hole Trailhead. From the trailhead, hike, bike, or ride 3 miles one-way on Big Hole Lookout Trail to reach the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| heather.berman@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 826-3821 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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