Robinson Mountain Lookout
Closed — Closed for winter. The lookout is inaccessible during winter months due to snow and road closures at high elevation. Typically available for rental during summer and early fall months.
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.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
Robinson Mountain Lookout is a rare example of a gable roof lookout cabin, originally constructed in 1929 to spot forest fires in the Kootenai National Forest. The 12' x 14' shake and frame structure was abandoned in 1948 due to its challenging location at high elevation near the Canadian border, where it was difficult to reach and often fogged in. The lookout survived decades of abandonment and was restored in 1983 for public rental use. Access to the lookout requires a multi-stage journey: from the Koocanusa Bridge area, visitors follow Forest Roads 474, 470, and 7205 before hiking gated Road 999 for 1.94 miles to the trailhead. The remote location and significant hike make this a destination for adventurous visitors seeking solitude and expansive mountain views. The lookout provides a unique overnight experience in a piece of fire lookout history. Guests must pack in all supplies, including water, as no facilities are available on site. The cabin can accommodate a small group looking to experience backcountry camping with the added shelter of a historic structure.
Directions
From Eureka follow Highway 93 north for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Highway 37 and follow for 13 miles. Turn right on the Koocanusa Bridge, then right on Yaak Road 92 and follow for 4 miles. Continue north on West Kootenai Road 474 for 2.1 miles. Turn left on Dodge Summit Road 470 and follow for 8.2 miles to Forest Road 7205. Follow Road 7205 for 3.46 miles. From there, hike gated Road 999 for 1.94 miles to trailhead #59.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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