Mission Lookout
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates from late spring through fall, depending on snow and road 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.
R1-2023-02 - 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.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
About
Mission Lookout towers above the forest canopy at approximately 3,700 feet elevation, providing guests with unrivaled 360-degree views of the Swan Range, Mission Mountains, and Swan Lake. The current structure was built in 1959 as part of a 75-year history of fire detection at this site. The 15-by-15 cabin sits atop a 40-foot wooden tower and accommodates up to 4 adults with one built-in double bed and two folding cots. The facility includes a propane cooking stove, basic cooking utensils, and a table with four chairs. A vault toilet, picnic area, and fire ring are located at the base of the tower. No water or electricity is available. The tower is accessible by vehicle via forest roads, with parking at the base. Guests must be prepared to climb the steep stairway and carry provisions up the 40-foot tower. The immediate area offers fishing and swimming at nearby Swan Lake, wildlife viewing, hunting, hiking, and mountain biking. The town of Swan Lake, approximately 15 minutes away, has a general store and restaurant. Grizzly bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. No pets, candles, or open flames are allowed in the lookout.
Directions
From Swan Lake, travel south on Highway 83 for 3 miles. Turn west onto Porcupine Creek Road 10229 (mile-marker 68). After passing Forest Road 9714, turn right onto Forest Road 9803 (2.2 miles after leaving the state highway). Continue on Forest Road 9803 for 1.4 miles to a gate. The gate can be opened with the combination code provided in your reservation confirmation. The tower and parking area are located just beyond the gate.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Swan Guard Station 2.0mi
- Swan Lake Campground 3.1mi
- Graves Creek Campground 16mi
- Finley Point Unit - Flathead Lake State Park 13mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP WEST 16mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP SOUTHWEST 16mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP SOUTHEAST 16mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP EAST 16mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP NORTH LOOP 15mi
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 | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 837-7500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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