About Mission Lookout
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Sleeping Capacity
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Toilet Type
- Sleeping Capacity
Views and Setting
- View
Reviews (35)
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.
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
Rachel D
VerifiedJuly 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT
Had a great time at this lookout again this year. I stayed a single night with my boyfriend. I wiped down surfaces and swept the floor before we left.
Overall a great visit. Hot and lots of mosquitos, but that’s mid-July. No wildlife seen. Road was in decent condition.
Caitlin L
VerifiedJuly 31, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT
The lookout is an incredible experience and is very well cared for. We were so surprised how cozy the cabin was! The bathroom was also in great shape. The mosquitoes were brutal - I would say this is the only downside.
Joseph S
VerifiedAugust 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT
Close the gate behind you or random people may show up.
Rachel W
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT
Amazing view and easy access. Could be difficult if you struggle with stairs or lugging items up a lot of stairs. Other than that it’s amazing.
megan d
VerifiedOctober 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MISSION LOOKOUT
Drive up was super chill- you can drive right up to the staircase basically. Views are stunning. There is a lil outhouse and a fire pit to use. We spent the whole time up in the lookout playing board games and relaxing! (Bed fits two 6’0+ people FYI and there were other cots available).
Would stay again!
Location & Directions for Mission Lookout
200 Ranger Station Road, Bigfork, MT 59911 United States
Elevation: 1,112 ft
Getting There
From Swan Lake, travel south on Highway 83 for 3 mi. Turn west onto Porcupine Creek Road 10229 (mile-marker 68). After passing Forest Road 9714, turn right onto Forest Road 9803 (2.2 miles after leaving the state highway). Continue on Forest Road ...
From Swan Lake, travel south on Highway 83 for 3 mi. Turn west onto Porcupine Creek Road 10229 (mile-marker 68). After passing Forest Road 9714, turn right onto Forest Road 9803 (2.2 miles after leaving the state highway). Continue on Forest Road 9803 for 1.4 mi, to a gate. The gate may be opened. If not, it can be opened with the same combination code as the tower. The tower and parking area are located just beyond the gate.
Highway access
Mission Lookout is accessible via Montana State Highway 35, which is approximately 15 miles to the east.
Nearby National Park
West Entrance
Approximate driving time: over 1 hr (89 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
Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Explore Bigfork, MT
Population: 5,565
Nearby city: Missoula, MT
Approx. 71 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,933 ft
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