Cougar Peak Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout operates June 20 through September 18 annually. Reservations available through Recreation.gov with a 3-night maximum stay.
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
Cougar Peak Lookout provides a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of early Forest Service fire lookouts while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery. Built in 1952 to replace an earlier 1930s structure, this standard L-4 ground house sits in the Cabinet Mountains of western Montana at 6,694 feet elevation, offering impressive views of the Clark Fork River valley and surrounding peaks. The 14x14-foot cabin accommodates up to four guests with a full bed (mattress pad provided), table with two chairs, and a wood stove for heat. A vault toilet outhouse is located approximately 200 feet away at the parking area. The lookout is accessible via Forest Road 403, though late spring snowdrifts may require a short hike. Guests must walk about 150 feet from parking to the cabin. Visitors must be self-sufficient, bringing all water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as well as bedding, cooking equipment, utensils, flashlights, and food. Firewood can be collected locally for the wood stove. The location is within grizzly bear habitat, requiring proper food storage at all times. Nearby recreation includes the Cougar Peak Trail along the ridge, and fishing opportunities at the Noxon Rapids and Cabinet Gorge reservoirs on the Clark Fork River. The surrounding Lolo National Forest is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and various bird species including bald and golden eagles.
Directions
From Thompson Falls, Montana, travel west on Highway 200 for about a mile. Before crossing the Clark Fork River bridge, turn right onto Blue Slide Road and continue about 8 miles to the junction with Forest Road 403. Turn right and travel about 14 miles to the lookout. The cabin is a 150-foot walk from the parking area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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