Yaak Mountain
Closed — Open mid-June through late September. Access depends on weather conditions and requires a high clearance vehicle. Limited to 5 consecutive nights with a 7-day break before rebooking. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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.
Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles
A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event.
Rexford Bench Campground Road & Boat Launch Closure
A temporary closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Rexford Bench Campground Road #7940 and boat launch. The closure is to provide for public safety and safe construction operations while the boat ramp asphalt is replaced with concrete.
Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure
A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable.
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).
About
Yaak Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower that has served as an observation point for spotting forest fires since 1958. Perched at 4,977 feet elevation atop a 45-foot tower, this unique rental provides panoramic views of the town of Troy, the Kootenai and Yaak River valleys, and the mountainous terrain of the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout features a catwalk encircling the cabin and can accommodate up to 4 guests. The cabin is equipped with basic amenities including 2 twin beds with 4 mattresses, propane stove, heater, lights, table and chairs, fire extinguisher, and cleaning gear. A vault toilet outhouse is located a short distance from the tower. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no electricity or running water available. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as well as all bedding, cooking gear, lanterns, and cleaning supplies. Access to the lookout requires navigating primitive roads for approximately 5.3 miles beyond a locked gate. High clearance vehicles are recommended. The lookout is located in the heavily forested Yaak Area, home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, and moose. Nearby attractions include Yaak Falls and fishing opportunities in the Kootenai and Yaak Rivers for various trout species.
Directions
From Troy, Montana, follow Highway 2 west for 3 miles to East Side Road 176. Follow Road 176 north for 2 miles to Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394. Follow Road 2394 approximately 2 miles to Yaak Mountain Road 4407. The gate requires a combination code provided in your reservation confirmation. Follow Road 4407 for 5.3 miles beyond the gate to reach the lookout. High clearance vehicle recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
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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