Mccart Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late June through September depending on snow conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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.
R1-2023-01 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.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Manag
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Bitterroot National Forest Food Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-bear interactions.
Annual Mill Creek Area Climbing Closure
The Stevensville Ranger District is reminding everyone of the annual climbing closure in the Mill Creek area to allow for nesting of cliff-dwelling raptors.
Trapping prohibited within 150' of groomed cross country ski trails
Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited as described below, within the Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest.
Bass Creek Recreation Area
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited within the Bass Creek Recreation of the Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest.
About
McCart Lookout is a historic L4 fire lookout tower built on a 10-foot structure with a surrounding 30-inch catwalk, restored to reflect its 1940s appearance complete with period stove, furniture, dishes, and other authentic touches. Positioned at 7,115 feet elevation on McCart Peak east of Sula, the lookout provides a unique overnight experience on the border of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness with spectacular views of the Pintler Mountains to the east and Bitterroot Mountains to the west. The one-room cabin measures 14x14 feet and includes a bed platform suitable for two people, though the lookout can accommodate up to four guests total with additional floor space available. A wood stove provides heat using dead and down material from the area, and a two-burner propane camp stove is available for cooking. Basic pots, pans, dishes, and eating utensils are provided, along with a Coleman lantern. Guests must bring their own propane canisters, bedding, drinking water, and all supplies. An outdoor vault toilet serves the facility, and a small corral accommodates two or three head of stock. The lookout is accessed via a moderate 1.5-mile hike on the Johnson Peak Trail from the trailhead, which is reached by 5.5 miles on Forest Road 435. The trail continues south to join the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, offering extensive hiking and horseback riding opportunities through wilderness terrain rich with wildlife including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, and moose. The facility is named for William McCart, an early settler who homesteaded in the area.
Directions
From Sula, travel northwest 0.2 miles on Highway 93. Turn northeast onto East Fork Road (County Road 472) and go approximately 15 miles. Turn south onto Forest Service Road 435 (Johnson Peak Trail) and travel 5.5 miles to the Johnson Peak Trailhead. Hike 1.5 miles to the lookout tower.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 821-3913 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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