Mission Lookout

a night at the lookout was spectacular. I’m afraid of heights, and this stretched me, but we’ll worth it! Those bringing pets, please remember that those without them have a different standard of clean, there was a lot of dog hair to clean up from a previous guest. Don’t miss the stars at night, i happened to get a night with no moon, so the milky way was clear.

Mission LO is so wonderful. We arrived in the dark after driving 10 hour straight from the Washington Coast. The cabin was clean and well maintained and that vault toilet at the base was well stocked. There was wood already available at the fire pit as well. The cabin is well stocked with a gas stove, cleaning supplies (some of which were running out when we were there), board games, dishes, pots & pans, books, a lantern, and more!

The star gazing was awesome from the tower and it was warm enough to sleep with the windows open. We heard some of the pack rats scrambling up the tower at night (thankfully they can't get past the trap door) and what we thought was a bear too (found some tracks and scat the next morning).

If you have a chance to reserve Mission Lookout, I highly recommend it. It's the best maintained fire lookout I've been to!

Perfect.

What a fantastic lookout! Definitely one of the "fancier" ones I've been to in Montana. One thing I especially liked about this one was screen door for great air flow. All the windows opened and had screens! The only place in the lookout I could get service (AT&T and Verizon) was the kitchen table. I did have a few groups of visitors, but everyone was friendly and respected I had the trap door closed and didn't want visitors.

This is the nicest lookout I’ve ever stayed in. Brand new functioning windows on all sides, great stove, clean, beautiful spot. Note this lookout does not have 360-degree views but does have gorgeous view of the Swan Valley. It has one full size bed and two cots.

Absolute perfection. Every view is like seeing the world on the first day of creation.

Excellent lookout. It definitely needs a propane heater or woodstove though.

I am so thankful we were lucky enough to jump on a last minute cancelation for this lookout. The views are stunning, the cabin was super clean and it felt good to leave it cleaner than we found it. 360° windows provide views of almost the entire swan Valley. Unfortunately you do have to wake up with the sun🌞. Very bright, very early! Hauling our water up 3 flights of stairs wasn't fun but I would do it 10x over, it was worth it. We hung out in the cabin, cooked, played games and just enjoyed being there. Thank you, USFS!
P.S. just remember to bring your own wood if you want a fire 🔥 This one dosent have reserve like some others do! There is no heating source inside the cabin so I would suggest some body warmers for inside your sleeping bag to keep you toasty at night.

Great experience. Nice views. We had all kinds of weather and enjoyed them all - sun, rain, and fog. The tower is very comfortable for sleeping. We cooked on the fire, but a propane stove was available. Went to Holland Lake and holland Waterfall. Also so Van lake. Would love to go back!

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