Mc Guire Mountain
Opens mid-June, weather dependent. Road and trail access conditions vary. Reservations available through Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance. Maximum 5 consecutive nights with a 7-day break required between reservations.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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
McGuire Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower that was constructed in 1923 and served as an active observation point for detecting forest fires for over two decades before being decommissioned around 1944. The structure was renovated between 1983 and 1998 and is now available as a rental cabin through Recreation.gov. The 12x12 foot wood-frame cabin features a pyramidal roof with a cupola accessible via an interior ladder, and windows on all sides providing spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Kootenai National Forest. The lookout is equipped with a modern wood stove for heating (firewood provided but not guaranteed), two twin bed boards without mattresses, a table, bench, and basic cleaning supplies. There is no electricity and no potable water; guests must pack in all drinking water and supplies. An outdoor toilet is provided. The cabin accommodates a maximum of 4 people. Access requires a 2.5-mile hike from the Little Sutton Mountain trailhead. To reach the trailhead, take Othorp Lake Road 854 to Pinkham Creek Road 856 for approximately 13 miles, then follow Sutton Ridge Road 494 west. Trail #446 continues past the lookout for extended backpacking opportunities, and Lake Koocanusa offers nearby fishing, boating, and biking.
Directions
Located 14 miles southwest of Eureka, Montana. Take Othorp Lake Road 854 to Pinkham Creek Road 856 for approximately 13 miles, then turn onto Sutton Ridge Road 494 and head west to Little Sutton Mountain. Park at the trailhead and hike 2.5 miles on Trail #446 to the lookout.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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
| Phone | +1 (406) 296-2536 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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