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.
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
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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