Medicine Point Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout typically operates from early July through early September, depending on snow and weather conditions. Reservations can be made at 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
Medicine Point Lookout is a historic L4 fire lookout tower originally constructed in 1930, carefully restored to reflect the character of a 1940s lookout station. Situated at 8,409 feet elevation on Medicine Point in the Bitterroot Mountains, the tower offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and the southern Bitterroot Valley, with the lights of Hamilton visible on clear nights. The one-room cabin sits atop a 10-foot tower and measures 14x14 feet with a 30-inch catwalk. It features period furnishings, a wood stove for heat, a two-burner propane camp stove, basic cookware and utensils, and a Coleman lantern. The bed platform accommodates two people comfortably, with space for up to four total guests. An outdoor vault toilet serves the lookout. Access requires a challenging 3.5-mile hike from the trailhead, gaining 2,000 feet of elevation along steep sections. The area offers extensive hiking and horseback riding opportunities with multiple loop trails. Hitching racks are available at the tower base for equestrian visitors. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with opportunities to see mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, and other species. A lightning rod protects the structure, and a lookout journal inside provides emergency instructions.
Directions
From Missoula, travel south on Highway 93 to Laird Creek Road/Forest Service Road 370, approximately 34 miles south of Hamilton. Turn right and continue about 4 miles to Bear Creek Saddle. At Bear Creek Saddle, turn north onto Forest Service Road 5731 and continue 2 miles to the Medicine Point Trailhead. The trail to the tower is approximately 3.5 miles and is quite steep along some portions, gaining 2,000 feet of elevation.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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