Montana / Meagher County / Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Monument Peak Lookout

Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout operates June 1 through November 30 annually. During early June and October, walk-in access may be required due to snow conditions. Winter access is limited to snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.

About

Monument Peak Lookout offers guests an impressive yet rustic room with a view high in the Little Belt Mountains. Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this historic fire lookout was actively used to spot forest fires until the 1970s. In 1999, the structure was carefully removed from its original 50-foot pole, restored, and placed on a short, solid foundation to make it available for public rental use. Perched atop Monument Peak at 7,395 feet elevation, the lookout provides spectacular 360-degree views of Monument Ridge and Strawberry Ridge. The surrounding region is a dense coniferous forest with fir, spruce, and pine trees. The area offers excellent opportunities for hunting, hiking, OHV riding, and wildlife viewing. Native wildlife includes black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagles, and mountain lions. The rustic lookout accommodates two people with two beds and mattresses, a table and chairs, two propane lanterns, and a propane cooking stove with limited pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. A vault toilet is located about 100 feet from the structure. The facility has no water, electricity, or plumbing. Access requires a high clearance vehicle, as the last 2-4 miles of road are rough and rocky. During wet conditions, the road can become muddy and slippery. The heavy window shutters typically require two people to open and secure.

Directions

From Great Falls, go east on U.S. Highway 87/89 about 22 miles (just past Belt) and turn right (south) at the rest area onto U.S. Highway 89 (heading toward Monarch and Neihart). Go about 9.5 miles and turn right on County Road 340. Drive 8 miles to the junction with Road 349 and turn left (south), then drive 4.3 miles to Forest Road 839 and turn right (south). Go 8.5 miles and turn right on Road 268. Drive 3.5 miles to the lookout. High clearance vehicle recommended; last 2-4 miles are rough and rocky.

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