Yaak Mountain
The lookout operates seasonally from late May through late September, weather permitting. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance, with a 5-consecutive-night stay limit.
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
Yaak Mountain Lookout is a historic fire observation tower that has served as a fire spotting station since 1958. The cabin sits atop a 45-foot tower at 4,977 feet elevation in the Kootenai National Forest, offering spectacular panoramic views of the town of Troy, the Kootenai and Yaak River valleys, and the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks. The lookout accommodates up to four guests with two twin beds and four mattresses. Amenities include a propane stove, propane heater, propane lights, table and chairs, fire extinguisher, and cleaning supplies. An outdoor vault toilet is located a short distance from the tower. There is no electricity, running water, or potable water at the site, so guests must bring their own water supply along with cooking gear, bedding, flashlights, matches, and other essentials. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle via primitive forest roads. From Troy, Montana, take Highway 2 west for 3 miles to East Side Road 176, then north 2 miles to Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394, continuing approximately 2 miles to Yaak Mountain Road 4407. A gate combination is provided upon reservation.
Directions
From Troy, Montana, take Highway 2 west for 3 miles to East Side Road 176. Head north on East Side Road 176 for 2 miles to Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394. Follow Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394 approximately 2 miles to Yaak Mountain Road 4407. Total distance from Highway 2 to the gate is 4.15 miles, then 5.3 miles from the gate to the lookout. Gate combination provided with reservation. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 295-4693 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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