Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Open seasonally May 20 through October 10. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. Maximum 3-night stay limit per reservation. Key code provided with confirmation.
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.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathead…
Savenac Area Closed for Public Safety (May 23, 2026 through June 21, 2026)
What’s closed: Savenac Tree Nursery Area ClosedWhere: Savenac Tree Nursery When: May 23 through June 21, 2026Why: Hazardous conditions; closure protects public safetyPlan ahead: Check below for the closure order and map; questions? Call (406) 822‑4233 (Superior RD)
Cabin City Campground Area, Roads & Trail Closed for Public Safety (May 11, 2026–May 1, 2027)
Cabin City Campground and Roads 9117, 9117-A, 9117-B and Trail 703 are closed for public safety May 11, 2026–May 1, 2027.
West Fork Dry Creek Road and Trails 274 and 572 Closure
Road and trail access in the West Fork Dry Creek area is closed through Nov. 30, 2026, due to hazardous blowdown. Only authorized personnel and exempt landowners may enter.
East Fork Big Creek Road & Trail Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to recent weather, East Fork Big Creek Road (Forest Service Road 428) is closed from milepost 1.35 junction with 16046 (lodgepole) to milepost 1.85 seasonal gate closure turnaround. This closure is for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from flood and wind damage…
Forest, Regional and Other Regulations
Welcome to the Lolo National Forest As a visitor to the national forests, you must follow certain rules to protect the forest and natural environment, and to ensure your health and safety.Forest and Regional RegulationsAll bear attractants, including any type of food and garbage, must be stored in…
Deer Creek Road & Snowmobile Trail Closed on Superior Ranger District
Deer Creek Road #236 and Deer Creek Loop Snowmobile Trail (SNO-70.1) on the Superior Ranger District are closed due to flood and wind damage to the road, bridge crossing, and trail.
Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
About
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a one-of-a-kind lodging experience in Lolo National Forest, approximately 55 miles west of Missoula near Superior, Montana. Unlike traditional wooden fire lookouts, this is a concrete block structure with the rental cabin occupying the third floor above active radio and cellular communication equipment. The enclosed stairway and solid construction make it more suitable for families with supervised children than typical open-catwalk lookouts. The lookout provides sweeping views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, and the Idaho state line. Modern amenities include electricity, cell phone service, an electric stove, heater, microwave, and small refrigerator. Basic cooking utensils, pots, and pans are provided. One twin bed with a mattress pad is included; guests planning to sleep four should bring cots. There is no drinking water on site, so guests must pack in all water needed for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. A vault toilet is located outside the tower. All garbage and food must be packed out, and guests are required to follow bear safety and food storage requirements. Smoking and pets are prohibited inside the tower. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and checkout is at 11:00 AM. Emergency personnel may need to access the lower floors during your stay.
Directions
From Missoula, travel west on I-90 for 55 miles to Exit 46 at Superior. Turn south and at the T-intersection turn left (east) on Diamond Road for 1.1 miles, then turn right on Cedar Creek Road #320 for 2.6 miles. Turn right on Forest Road #7863 and travel 6.1 miles to the lookout. No level parking area; set parking brake and chock wheels.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 822-4233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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