Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental
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.
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.
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.
Ross Creek Cedars Road Closure & Storm Damage Update
The Ross Creek Cedars sustained significant damage during the December 2025 flood events. Heavy rains, flooding, landslide, and debris flows that occurred in December 2025 created unstable conditions along NFS Road #398. Significant erosion undercut sections of the road, limiting access to foot and…
Rexford Bench Boat Launch Closure
Progress continues on the Rexford Bench boat launch upgrade, replacing the existing asphalt with concrete. Construction operations are expected to continue into mid-May, so a closure order will remain in place for the boat launch and lower parking area for public and worker safety. The Peck Gulch…
Big Creek Closure-Peregrine Falcon Nesting Area
A closure order is in now effect for the Big Creek Area on the Rexford Ranger District, which is a known area for peregrine falcon nesting. Peregrine falcons are particularly sensitive to disturbance and activity above their nest or rock climbing in its vicinity. Disturbance during the nesting…
Timberlane Campground Closure
A closure order is now in effect for the Timberlane Campground on the Libby Ranger District, while it undergoes much-needed improvements. The purpose of this order is for public safety during reconstruction and improvement operations in the campgroundAs you start making your summer plans and…
Libby Spring Road Closures
Spring road closures are now in effect on certain Libby Ranger District roads. All motorized vehicles over 10,000 GVW are prohibited from using or being operated on the designated roads. The purpose of this restriction is to prevent damage to road surface and base due to thawing action or excess…
Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles
A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event. The road is closed starting…
Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure
A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable. The road is currently closed at milepost 3.5 to 3.6, just north of its junction with NFS…
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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of…
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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of landslides, debris…
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). The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to…
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.
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
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