Minton Peak Lookout
Currently closed for the season. Typically opens late June and operates through mid-October, with access dependent on weather and road conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
Minton Peak Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in a historic fire lookout tower within the Kootenai National Forest. The original lookout was constructed in 1932, replaced in 1968, and completely rebuilt in 2011. Named after Col. David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded near the mouth of Minton Creek, the tower sits at an elevation of 5,351 feet and is accessible by car when roads are clear. The 14x14-foot cabin is elevated 5 feet off the ground on a tower with a catwalk and panoramic windows on all sides. Inside, guests will find two twin beds with mattresses, a table and chairs, a wood stove for heat with firewood supplied, and a two-burner propane cooktop. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located nearby. There is no electricity, running water, or cell service. The lookout provides sweeping views of the Clark Fork Valley, the Bitterroot Mountains to the west, and the Cabinet Range to the east. Clear nights offer exceptional stargazing. Guests should pack in all drinking water, propane for cooking, bedding, lanterns, and food. All trash and food waste must be packed out. Maximum stay is 5 consecutive nights with a 7-day break required between reservations.
Directions
From Trout Creek, take Cedar Street to Pine Street. Turn right and follow for 5.89 miles (Pine Street becomes Marten Creek Road). Turn left on Minton Peak Road 322 and follow for 7.9 miles to Road 322A. Follow Road 322A for 0.62 miles to the lookout.
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 | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 827-3533 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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