Mc Guire Mountain
Open — Open for reservations through Recreation.gov. Access depends on weather and road conditions; the road is normally plowed within 14 miles of the cabin, requiring a 2.5-mile hike from the trailhead. Five consecutive day maximum stay with a 7-day break requested between reservations.
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.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
McGuire Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower originally built in 1923 at a cost of $805.87 and actively used for forest fire detection for over 20 years before being abandoned around 1944. After 35 years of abandonment, the structure was restored between 1983 and 1998 and placed in the USFS rental system. This D-6 cupola lookout, a common design from the 1920s, sits at nearly 7,000 feet elevation approximately 14 miles southwest of Eureka. The 12x12 foot wood-frame cabin features a pyramidal roof with a cupola on top, accessed by a wooden ladder inside the cabin. Windows completely surround the structure, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains, Koocanusa Reservoir, and surrounding Salish Mountains. The rustic facility includes a modern wood stove, two twin bed boards (no mattresses), a table, bench, and basic cleaning gear. Firewood is typically provided but not guaranteed. Access requires a 2.5-mile hike up Trail #446 from the parking area at Little Sutton Mountain. The road is normally plowed within 14 miles of the cabin. The lookout accommodates up to 4 people and has a 5 consecutive day stay limit, with a 7-day break requested before making another reservation.
Directions
From Eureka, take Othorp Lake Road (Forest Road 854). Stay on this road to Pinkham Creek Road (FR 856) and continue for approximately 13 miles. Turn and follow Sutton Ridge Road (FR 494) west to Little Sutton Mountain where the lookout trail begins. Park at the trailhead and hike approximately 2.5 miles up Trail #446 to the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 296-2536 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!