Mission Lookout

Lookout Tower Exterior
Lookout Tower from ground
Lookout Interior 1
Lookout Interior, View of Mission Mountains
View facing NW towards Swan Lake

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

About Mission Lookout

Mission Lookout towers above the forest canopy, providing guests with unrivaled 360-degree views of the beautiful Swan Range, Mission Mountains and Swan Lake. The site served for 75 years as a fire detection tower, and the current lookout has been around since its construction in 1959. The tower can be accessed by vehicle. A parking area is adjacent to the facility. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Will sleep up to 4 people. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in the Lookout. 

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 15 to Oct 20

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Toilet Type
  • Sleeping Capacity

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
View Site Details

Reviews (33)

What Guests Are Saying

Mission Lookout offers a cozy and well-maintained cabin experience with stunning views and ample amenities, including cooking equipment and games. The access road is easy, and the location provides a sense of seclusion. While the heat and mosquitoes can be challenging, the overall experience is highly rated by visitors.

Review Summary

4.8
33 reviews
5
84.8%
28
4
12.1%
4
3
3.0%
1
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Maddi B

Verified

June 16, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

Though it was cloudy and rainy, it was still one of the best places I’ve ever been. The lookout was very clean and well taken care of.

James S

Verified

July 7, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

We have been coming to Mission Lookout since the summer of 2004, we Love it!! The improvements have been much appreciated. Our only complaint is that it is so popular now it is nearly impossible to get a reservation. If you are lucky enough to get there, you will enjoy it too!

Tiffany C

Verified

November 7, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

Great lookout! Great views!

Lisa M

Verified

July 14, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

4

Awesome as always but it’s short of a 5 star review because of the looky loos on foot and by vehicle that came up the driveway within the 1st couple hours of our stay! There should maybe be a sign at the gate that mentions that it’s a private rental to stop folks from walking and driving up.

Maggie B

Verified

August 8, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

3

There are hornets everywhere trying to get in, you can’t go outside because they swam you and since there is holes in the door screen and other screen the windows can’t be open or they get in. Maybe there is a nest under the lookout since they don’t seam to stir unless you’re walking around?

Kristin A R

Verified

July 16, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

Beautiful stay! Easy access to the Lookout, it was well stocked (dishes, utensils). Bed and cost were comfortable.
It was blazing hot (94 degrees) with no breeze - I’m glad we had a light parachute blanket with us to tie up over some windows to provide shade.
Toilet below was well kept, very clean.
We had a great time!

Ray H

Verified

September 5, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

We give the highest rating possible! Access road short and easy, but still secluded. Swan beach nearby. Tower is perfect, one of the top two we have experienced.

Christie D

Verified

September 29, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

What an amazing experience

Marirose K

Verified

June 25, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

I loved staying here! The lookout is clean and well-maintained. The windows and door are easy to open and close, the view is just lovely, and the cooktop and cooking equipment are more than enough. There are lots of games and puzzles available in the cabinets. The full size bed is comfortable. The lookout is easy to drive to with a car, but the location feels secluded - maybe due to the vegetation and tall trees around the lookout, which is a little unusual since most lookouts are on an open ridgetop. Be prepared for a lot of steep stairs!!

Leslie D

Verified

June 28, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT

5

The stairs are a little intimidating but the reward of a very well appointed and clean lookout at the top is well worth it!

Location Mission Lookout

Address:
200 Ranger Station Road
Bigfork, MT, 59911
United States

Highway access

Mission Lookout is accessible via Montana State Highway 35, which is approximately 15 miles to the east.

Elevation: 1112 feet

Distance to downtown

23 mi drive to downtown Bigfork (about 35 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • Water, electricity and sewer is not available at the cabin. There is a vault toilet at the base of the lookout.
  • Grizzly bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage
  • The lookout is a 40-foot tower and guests must be prepared to climb and carry provisions up the steep stairway; due to the height of the tower, children under age 10 are discouraged
  • During your stay the Forest Service or their representatives may be present at or around the cabin to perform repairs, stocking of cabin supplies, snow removal, or any other general maintenance.
  • Pets are not allowed at the lookout
  • Candles or any other open flames are prohibited within the structure
  • Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility
  • Contact the ranger district office at (406) 837-7500, during normal office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for updates on weather and road conditions; refunds will not be given for inclement weather or road conditions. 
  • The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter
  • Guests must clean cabin prior to departure; a fee will be charged if extra clean-up is needed
  • Commercial use of cabin is prohibited
  • Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 1, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service