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About Hornet Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
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001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (35)
What Guests Are Saying
Hornet Lookout offers an unforgettable experience with stunning views, particularly at sunrise and sunset, and abundant wildlife. The drive and hike to the lookout are manageable, though some caution is advised. While there are minor maintenance issues like broken windows and a smokey wood stove, the lookout is well-equipped and clean, making it a must-visit spot near Glacier.
What Guests Are Saying
Hornet Lookout offers an unforgettable experience with stunning views, particularly at sunrise and sunset, and abundant wildlife. The drive and hike to the lookout are manageable, though some caution is advised. While there are minor maintenance issues like broken windows and a smokey wood stove, the lookout is well-equipped and clean, making it a must-visit spot near Glacier.
Review Summary
Tia S
VerifiedOctober 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
The road is great heading up to the lookout & does get a little narrow towards the end. There is no service once you leave West Glacier till you are halfway into the hike. Once you get to the lookout, you'll have enough service to send text messages & load social media (Verizon & AT&T) if you stand close to the fireplace. I wasn't sure about the service at the lookout, so I checked in with my family from the Polebridge Mercantile, and they happily let me use their landline. Make sure to get a few huckleberry bear claws at the Mercantile!
The lookout was equipped with cots, pads, Coleman cook stove, saw, axes, dry wood, cooking, and cleaning supplies. I went during a snow storm and didn't have much visibility, but it was sure cozy next to the fire. The larches on the drive up to the lookout were absolutely amazing!
Julie M
VerifiedOctober 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
I have been trying to get a rental at a lookout tower for years. I have fought wildland fire with the forest service for 10 years and this is the first time I was able to make a reservation. It was 1 mile hike in under freezing conditions with lots of snow already on the ground. That wasn't going to stop me. What did stop me however was the fact when I got there, there was no firewood provided. That information was not relayed to me with my reservation details. You cant expect someone to pack in overnight gear & food AND pack firewood in 1 mile. When I got there I had to turn around and leave and didn't even get to spend the night.
Julie M
VerifiedOctober 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
I have been trying to get a rental at a lookout tower for years. I have fought wildland fire with the forest service for 10 years and this is the first time I was able to make a reservation. It was 1 mile hike in under freezing conditions with lots of snow already on the ground. That wasn't going to stop me. What did stop me however was the fact when I got there, there was no firewood provided. That information was not relayed to me with my reservation details. You cant expect someone to pack in overnight gear & food AND pack firewood in 1 mile. When I got there I had to turn around and leave and didn't even get to spend the night.
Nicole F
VerifiedAugust 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
The hike in was very easy and quick! The lookout was awesome! Definitely recommend.
Nicole F
VerifiedAugust 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
The hike in was very easy and quick! The lookout was awesome! Definitely recommend.
Brian D
VerifiedJuly 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
The views from Hornet are unmatched providing an almost spiritual experience. The lookout is clean and well maintained. A true treasure of the north fork.
Brian D
VerifiedJuly 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
The views from Hornet are unmatched providing an almost spiritual experience. The lookout is clean and well maintained. A true treasure of the north fork.
Amber K
VerifiedJune 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
Very nice lookout. Well stocked. Short hike but steep. The only problem is there are tons of people hiking up there constantly and trying to come in the lookout
Amber K
VerifiedJune 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
Very nice lookout. Well stocked. Short hike but steep. The only problem is there are tons of people hiking up there constantly and trying to come in the lookout
Mary W
VerifiedFebruary 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT
I loved this lookout, Mother Nature gave us 2 days of drizzle so the views were not that great. Would love to go back and spend some more time, The drive to the lookout was an adventure all by it self was really glad that we didn't meet another vehicle on the road. Loved the hike in and out it wasn't too strenuous for an out of shape 63 year old woman. If you love nature and solitude this is wonderful place to stay.
Location Hornet Lookout
Address:
10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340
Hungry Horse, MT, 59919
United States
From Columbia Falls, take Nucleus Avenue north through Columbia Falls and turn east on Railroad Street. At the stop sign, the road becomes the North Fork Road. Continue on North Fork Road for about 45 miles and over the railroad overpass. Turn left (west) on Whale Creek Road 318 and drive 4 miles, then turn right on the narrow Hornet Road 9805 and go 5.2 miles to the trailhead of Hornet Trail 349. Hike about a mile to the lookout.
The nearest major road is US Highway 2, located approximately 25 miles south of the campground. Access to the campground is primarily via North Fork Road, which connects to local routes.
Elevation: 1953 feet
56 mi drive to downtown Hungry Horse (about 1 hr 46 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
General
- There is a maximum stay of three consecutive nights with a total of seven days per calendar year.
- Water, electricity and sewer is not available at the cabin. A wood stove is available at the lookout, however wood is not provided. There is a hand saw provided at the lookout and wood can be gathered near the lookout.
- Use caution; Hornet Road 9805 is narrow, with few pullouts.
- Bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage.
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility.
- Contact the ranger district office at (406) 387-3800, during normal office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for updates on weather and 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.
- In early to mid-summer, expect snow on the road preventing you from driving to the Lookout's trailhead. Be prepared to hike an extra distance.
- Refunds will not be given for inclement weather or road conditions.
- This is a remote cabin that may be unoccupied for extended periods of time. Mice may be present in cabin - there are supplies to trap mice and remove safely in cabin. Please do your part to help mitigate rodents by picking up food crumbs, cleaning thoroughly, and trapping mice if they are present.
- Cupula windows are seasonally shuttered in late September-early October for weather concerns.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 3, 2026
