Yaak Lookout

Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Open

Open seasonally from mid-June through late September. Access depends on weather and road conditions. Reservations via Recreation.gov with a 5 consecutive day stay limit.

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.

Trail Advisory-Alexander Mountain Trail near Timber Harvest Activities

Please use caution and watch for timber harvest activity if utilizing the Alexander Mountain Trail #270 off the FDR Road #228 on the Libby Ranger District. A small portion of the trail passes through a section of the Fleetwood Jack Timber Sale, that has ongoing operations. The trail will remain…

St. Paul Lake Trailhead-No Camping Closure Order

A closure order is now in effect prohibiting camping in the surrounding area of the St. Paul Lake Trailhead on the Cabinet Ranger District. The purpose is to protect bull trout, resource values, public health and safety at the trailhead and maintaining access to the St. Paul Lake Trail #646. The…

Ross Creek Cedars Road Closure & Storm Damage Update

The Ross Creek Cedars sustained significant damage during the December 2025 flood events. Heavy rains, flooding, landslide, and debris flows that occurred in December 2025 created unstable conditions along NFS Road #398. Significant erosion undercut sections of the road, limiting access to foot and…

Rexford Bench Boat Launch Closure

Construction operations are now complete  on the Rexford Bench boat launch upgrade and it is now open. The boat launch was closed while the existing asphalt was replaced with concrete. The low water ramp is available but due to the low level of the reservoir, please be aware of muddy conditions…

Big Creek Closure-Peregrine Falcon Nesting Area

A closure order is in now effect for the Big Creek Area on the Rexford Ranger District, which is a known area for peregrine falcon nesting. Peregrine falcons are particularly sensitive to disturbance and activity above their nest or rock climbing in its vicinity. Disturbance during the nesting…

Timberlane Campground Closure

A closure order is now in effect for the Timberlane Campground on the Libby Ranger District, while it undergoes much-needed improvements. The purpose of this order is for public safety during reconstruction and improvement operations in the campgroundAs you start making your summer plans and…

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. The road is closed starting…

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. The road is currently closed at milepost 3.5 to 3.6, just north of its junction with NFS…

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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of landslides, debris…

About

Yaak Mountain Lookout stands at 4,977 feet elevation within Kootenai National Forest, serving as a fire observation point since 1958. The 45-foot tower features a catwalk with panoramic views of Troy, the Kootenai and Yaak River valleys, and surrounding mountain ranges. On clear nights, guests can watch the Fourth of July fireworks from Troy far below. The lookout accommodates up to 4 guests and comes equipped with two twin beds, four mattresses, a propane stove, propane heater, propane lights, table, chairs, and cleaning gear. A vault toilet is located a short distance from the tower. There is no electricity or running water; all drinking and cooking water must be packed in. Open water sources in the area are considered contaminated. Access is via Yaak Mountain Road 4407, a primitive road requiring high-clearance vehicles. The road is gated; guests receive a combination code upon booking. Due to the tower's height, bringing young children is discouraged. The area is home to grizzly and black bears, so a food storage order requiring bear-resistant containers or vehicle storage is in effect.

Directions

From Troy, Montana, follow Highway 2 west for 3 miles to East Side Road 176. Follow East Side Road 176 north for 2 miles to Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394. Follow Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394 approximately 2 miles to Yaak Mountain Road 4407. A locked gate requires the combination code provided with your reservation. Follow Road 4407 for 5.3 miles to the lookout. High-clearance vehicle recommended.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
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

Availability

Photos

Yaak Lookout
Yaak Mountain Lookout
Yaak Mountain Lookout
Alidade and interior of lookout

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