Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental
Closed — Closed for winter season. Access depends on weather and road conditions; the road is typically plowed within 14 miles of the cabin. Reservations available through Recreation.gov with a 5-consecutive-day 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.
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 was originally constructed in 1923 as a Forest Service fire detection station and served actively for over 20 years before being abandoned around 1944. After 35 years of neglect, the structure was renovated between 1983 and 1998 and entered the rental system as a unique backcountry accommodation. The lookout is a 12x12-foot wood-frame cabin with a pyramidal roof topped by a cupola accessible via an interior wooden ladder. Windows completely surround the structure, providing 360-degree views from one of the area's tallest summits at nearly 7,000 feet elevation. The rustic cabin is not electrified but includes a modern wood stove, two twin bed boards (no mattresses), a table, bench, and basic cleaning gear. Firewood is typically provided but supply cannot be guaranteed. An outdoor pit toilet is located near the lookout. Guests must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as no water sources are available at the site. The lookout accommodates up to four people and operates with a 5-consecutive-day maximum stay limit. Access to McGuire Mountain requires parking at Little Sutton Mountain, approximately 14 miles southwest of Eureka via Othorp Lake Road 854, Pinkham Creek Road 856, and Sutton Ridge Road 494. From the trailhead, it's a 2.5-mile hike on trail #446 to reach the lookout. The road is normally plowed within 14 miles of the cabin during winter, but visitor arrival depends heavily on weather and road conditions. The surrounding area offers excellent backpacking on trail #446, proximity to Koocanusa Reservoir for fishing and water sports, and exceptional sunrise and sunset views over the Cabinet Mountains.
Directions
Located approximately 14 miles southwest of Eureka. Take Othorp Lake Road 854 to Pinkham Creek Road 856 and continue for approximately 13 miles. Turn and follow Sutton Ridge Road 494 west to Little Sutton Mountain parking area, where the lookout trail begins. Park all vehicles and hike approximately 2.5 miles up trail #446 to reach the lookout. Access depends on weather conditions; the road is normally plowed within 14 miles of the cabin.
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 | $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 | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!