Double Arrow Lookout
Open for the 2026 season from May 22 through September 8. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Gate and cabin remain locked; combination code provided in reservation confirmation.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 9 at 11:35AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Lolo Pass, and Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...From 6 PM Saturday to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Prepare for difficult backcountry travel.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
About
Double Arrow Lookout provides a rare opportunity to experience the Seeley Valley and adjacent Swan Mountains from a historic fire lookout perch. Built in 1933 and staffed by Forest Service employees until the mid-1980s, the tower is now listed on the National Historic Lookout Register and available for public rental. The 14-by-14 structure sits atop a 20-foot tower with a covered walkway surrounding the window-enclosed living quarters. The cabin includes electric lights, heat, a cook stove, and a small refrigerator. Sleeping accommodations consist of two single platform beds and two portable cots, sleeping up to four guests. An outdoor vault toilet is located a short distance from the tower. Guests must bring all water, bedding, cooking equipment, and eating utensils, and must pack out all garbage. Seeley Lake is approximately 2 miles east and offers fishing, boating, and a sandy beach. Various hiking trails lead from the lookout into the surrounding mountains. The area is home to elk, moose, deer, grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The Clearwater River Canoe Trail is nearby for birding and wildlife viewing.
Directions
From Seeley Lake, turn west on Riverview Drive halfway between MM 13 and MM 14. Drive 0.6 mile on the paved road crossing the Clearwater River. Continue 0.6 mile where the road splits and stay straight. The road narrows and becomes rocky. After almost 1 mile, turn right. After 0.2 mile turn right again. Go another 0.2 mile and turn right onto Forest Road 696. Continue 1 mile to the lookout gate. Use the gate combination code to proceed through, and the lookout is 0.1 mile beyond.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 677-2233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!