Star Peak Lookout
Open — The lookout is accessible via hiking trail year-round, though winter conditions make access extremely difficult. This is an active fire lookout tower and is not available for public rental or overnight use.
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
Star Peak Lookout holds a special place in Montana history as the site of the state's first recorded fire lookout, established in 1907 when a forest ranger camped in a tent below the summit. A stone cabin was constructed in 1910 and still stands today, while the current L-4 lookout tower on a stone base was built in 1952 and remains the only active lookout on the Cabinet Ranger District. The challenging hike to Star Peak Lookout covers 8.9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,927 feet, earning its difficult rating. The trail follows forested switchbacks and open slopes with steady climbing nearly the entire way, ascending from the Clark Fork River valley into the Cabinet Mountains. Hikers who complete the arduous climb are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Scotchman Peaks, Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, and the Clark Fork Valley. The lookout sits at the top of Star Peak, offering an unparalleled vantage point. The trailhead is located just off Highway 200 near Heron, Montana, with limited parking at the start of Forest Service Road 2292.
Directions
From milepost 6 on Highway 200, turn north onto Forest Service Road 2292. The trailhead is located approximately 100 yards from the highway on the first switchback of the road. Limited parking for small vehicles at the trailhead; larger vehicles and those with trailers should park on the south side of Highway 200 in a large wide area and walk across the highway to the trailhead.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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 | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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