Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge
Closed for the season. The lookout typically opens late June and remains available through late September, weather permitting. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to primitive road conditions.
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.
About
The Mount Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge Lookout sits at 6,529 feet in Montana's Kootenai National Forest, providing sweeping views of the Cabinet Mountain Range, Rock Candy Mountain, and Idaho's Kaniksu National Forest. Originally established in 1910 for fire detection, the current tower was built in 1957 and now serves as a unique overnight rental. The 144-square-foot cabin is accessed via a 26-foot tower with a surrounding catwalk. Inside, guests find 2 twin beds with 4 mattresses, a table and chairs, and propane-powered cook stove, heater, and lights. A vault toilet outhouse is located nearby. Potable water is not available; guests must pack in all water, bedding, cooking gear, and trash bags. The surrounding Yaak Area offers hiking trails and access to the Northwest Peaks Scenic Area. Wildlife in the region includes deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, and mountain lions. Yaak Falls is a short drive away and best visited during spring snowmelt.
Directions
From Troy, Montana: Take Highway 2 West for 9.5 miles to Yaak Highway 508. Follow Yaak Highway 508 north for 18 miles to Meadow Creek Road 524. Follow Road 524 for 1 mile to junction with Road 745. Take Road 745 approximately 4 miles to Baldy Mountain Lookout Road 591. Follow Road 591 for approximately 2 miles to Road 5954. Take Road 5954 to the lookout.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 295-4693 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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