Mcguire Mtn. Lookout Rental

My second time here and just as enjoyable as the first. This time I found the shorter approach (2.5 miles) and read the logbook laughing that so many of us make the trail error. The lookout was quaint and clean as usual. We enjoyed the most stunning sunset and sunrise and very cool temperatures overnight that made us appreciate the wood stove for 30 minutes in the morning. The springs below the lookout had water but also Hellabore so we did not use them. I always love this lookout and can't wait for the next trip!

Easy and pleasant hike to the lookout but as of late July ‘25 the road up to the trailhead from the west side is pretty overgrown with brush. The lookout was in good shape and although there aren’t any mattresses for the two bed platforms there foam mats so I didn’t even use the sleeping pad I had brought.

McGuire lookout as a destination for getting away from it all is a spectacular choice. My 10 yo grandson and I packed in our overnight supplies on the 2+ mile moderate hike mid-afternoon and stayed through the next morning, leaving around 9. The accommodations were sufficient but set your expectations low. The views and other aspects of the site are exceptional. We had great weather but would suggest not making the trip if rain is expected as there really is nowhere to seek cover aside from the lookout which, while rustic and somewhat charming, is not comfortable.

This was such a perfect lookout stay! I highly recommend it. Spectacular views of Lake Koocanusa, Eureka and into Canada. Good to note that there are 2 Trails off the road to get to the lookout. The first being closer to 4 miles one way. whoops. Beautiful hike regardless! Hoping I can stay up here next season!

The hike to this lookout is a fun fairly easy trail. The lookout is so neat! You can go up into a loft with glass windows to view the sky. There are many games to play and some books that people have left for the next. The sunset was amazing but the sunrise was even better. The only reason I gave this lookout a 4 was bugs bugs and more bugs. Bring your bug spray. They definitely didn’t ruin the experience. We too the longer trail down for a change of scenery and liked it as well.
I recommend staying here!

The lookout was fly infested. Windows on all four sides which can be opened but no screens to keep bugs out. Unfortunately, the temperatures were running 10+ degrees above normal and with the lookout in full sun the shelter was very hot inside. We opened most of the windows to get some air flow and provide the flies with an opportunity to escape. Very few did. Outside we had clouds of mosquitos, so it was a tradeoff between flies and mosquitos. We waited until the sun went down below the horizon, closed all the windows and tried to eliminate as many flies as possible. That made the night's sleep tolerable. Otherwise, nice lookout. The spring about 20 to 30 minutes down the trail towards the Sutton Saddle is likely seasonal. I would not count on it later in the summer.

This is a wonderful little lookout with spectacular views. The hike in was relatively easy for an experienced hiker. My 9 year old did great, and she was carrying her gear. I’m not sure how more than 2-3 people would sleep here. The platforms fit two adults and one child.

Wonderful stay at such a beautiful location. We were lucky to catch the perseid meteor shower. Be sure to put extra logs in the stove before bed, it gets really cold at night due to the exposure and panoramic windows. There wasn't a stove, so we left a Eureka brand SPRK+ Camp Stove single burner range and some 8 oz Butane fuel cartridges. There is an adapter piece to this stove that will allow propane canisters but we didn't have it- if anyone can bring one up, I'm sure it would be used and serve the cabin well :) We enjoyed the heck out of our time and chopped wood and kindling for the next folks to use- if you're able, please pass this forward!

What a fantastic lookout! The hard work of the NW Montana Lookout Association is hugely appreciated in making this place so unique. Due to the recent restorations on the lookout, there is glass and nails everywhere outside around the lookout! I’m not talking about just one window’s worth of broken glass, but multiple... Just be aware of this if you bring a dog and when packing your camp shoes (Teva’s not advised). I picked up as much as I could, but no matter what, there was always more.

The most helpful directions were: From Rexford on Highway 37, turn on Sutton Creek Rd. (rd. 619) which is about mile marker 48 on Highway 37. After 2 miles, take a right on 7993 (Flat Creek) for 16.4 miles (here, you’ll pass a sign for an additional trailhead to McGuire Lookout. This trailhead is steeper and 3.5 miles). Turn left on 494 for 1.2 miles. The trailhead is on the left, and the parking area is on the right; this trailhead is less steep at only 2.5 miles!

A spring at 48.68094, -115.19986 flows directly over the trail before you begin the final incline to the lookout. I went at the beginning of August, and the spring still flowed. A hand-drawn map inside the lookout will lead you to another spring (I didn’t explore this option, but the directions looked easy to follow).

Thanks so much to the Northwest Montana Lookout Association for your hard work, the lookout is gorgeous! Had a lovely stay here even though we took the longer route which is 3.5 miles up and 1600 ft of gain. Such a cool unique lookout ! Can't wait to stay again