Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Big Creek Baldy Lookout
Big Creek Baldy Lookout
Big Creek Baldy-cooking
Big Creek Badly Hostess
Big Creek Baldy alidade

About Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Big Creek Baldy Lookout sits atop its namesake mountain at an elevation of 5,780 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout has been used as an observation point for spotting forest fires for over 60 years. The lookout is typically open from mid-June through late September. High clearance vehicles are recommended. This mountain hideaway offers some amenities, but guests should plan to pack in some of their own supplies. Cell service is available at 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 - Jun 29 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Connectivity and Media

Connectivity and Media

  • Cell Reception
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

Price not available
✨ Hut Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (17)

What Guests Are Saying

Big Creek Baldy Lookout offers stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and an unforgettable stargazing experience. While the drive can be rough and steep, many guests found it worthwhile and appreciated the cleanliness and thoughtful amenities provided. Some concerns were noted regarding safety and litter, but overall, visitors highly recommend the lookout for its scenic beauty and wildlife sightings.

Review Summary

4.6
17 reviews
5
70.6%
12
4
23.5%
4
3
0.0%
0
2
5.9%
1
1
0.0%
0

Bob G

Verified

December 19, 2019 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

The lookout and accommodations were great and what I expected. Great views in all directions and a very nice shot of Turner Mountain ski area. Be aware the lookout is a long ways above the ground if you are bothered by heights. In the area of the lookout the trail maintenance seems to be nonexistent. Hiking is possible, but mountain biking would very challenging if you can find the trails. Overall a wonderful experience.

Amber K

Verified

July 25, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

Very nice lookout. It was great to have propane heaters and a propane stove. Comfortable beds compared to most of the lookouts. Very nice

WALLACE M

Verified

July 11, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

It was a great fire lookout with amazing views!

Jake O

Verified

August 25, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

This was my wife and I's first time staying in a lookout tower and first time out west/seeing the mountains in person. The entire experience was absolutely stunning and we can't wait to go back! The tower and outhouse were very clean, reading some of the past book entries it's apparent that everyone who stays there respects the history and beauty of this tower. If you haven't been here before make sure you're ready for the wind :) Needless to say, we can't wait to go back!

Francine R

Verified

July 11, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

We had 2 amazing nights at the lookout. Clear skies for amazing stars. We took a short hike off the road, at the signpost closeby, and followed the stone markers. Mostly we just sat n enjoyed the quiet & beauty. Highly recommend following the directions from Libby. We charted our own course from Eureka and had a long drive with lots of downed trees.

Amber J

Verified

July 27, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

The kitchen was well stocked and appreciated that propane was provided. Views are great! Directions didn't mention you had to unlock a gate to access the last stretch of the road to the lookout. The road after the gate is rougher as other reviews mentioned.

Roberta S

Verified

August 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

Absolutely thankful to the Forest Service that they chose to share these fire lookouts with all of us. Our history of these towers can teach us so much, and spending a night is a special experience I hope many many more will enjoy as much as we did.

Allison D

Verified

July 9, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

4

Awesome lookout! Bring your own fly swatters though, the only one there was pretty tattered- I would’ve donated a few had I known. The road past the gate is pretty rocky in spots and steep- doable but was glad to have a truck and not my Subaru.

Kristen B

Verified

August 9, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

4

My family and I had so much fun at the lookout! It's definitely worth all of the hiking up and down those steps. The views are beautiful and we enjoyed seeing the runs on Turner Mountain. We strung up hammocks under the structure and did a lot of relaxing. We did hike down the ridge a ways as it was marked as a trail and there are cairns marking the way. Two things of note that are not listed in the description: there's a gate at the bottom of the road (last mile) with a padlock. The code for the padlock is the same code as the padlock on the gate that closes off the platform/entry to the lookout. Both the road gate and platform gate are heavy. The other important detail is that while the maximum number of people allowed to stay in the lookout is 4, it only sleeps 3 people! I had read that it has a full and a twin in the description but others mention "mattresses" so I assumed there was at least one extra mattress for the fourth person. Nope! My 13 y.o. daughter slept uncomfortably in the twin with my 9 y.o. the first night, but opted to sleep on the linoleum floor the second night. One other inconvenience was that the gas that powers the stove and lanterns was not turned on when we arrived. We stayed there July 2&3 which I believe is the beginning of the season for the lookout so the USFS folks must have just forgotten to flip it on. Luckily my husband was able to find the main gas line and turned it on.

Don Z

Verified

August 18, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BIG CREEK BALDY. LOOKOUT RENTA

5

Clean, well maintained, newer paint. Three opening windows with screens is huge help for keeping the inside of the cabin cool. Really appreciate the gated access to help keep other people out while we enjoy our time at the tower.

Location Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Address:
12557 Hwy. 37
Libby, MT, 59923-8212
United States

Highway access

The property is accessible via Highway 37, which is approximately 1 mile south of the starting point in Libby. This highway connects to other major roads in the region.

Elevation: 1756 feet

Distance to downtown

26 mi drive to downtown Libby (about 50 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

11AM

General

  • The lookout is secured with a combination lock; please call the Ranger District at (406) 293-7773 prior to arrival to confirm the combination
  • There is no water; guests must provide their own for drinking, cooking and washing
  • Access depends on weather conditions
  • Please pack out all trash and food and clean cabin before departure
  • There is a 5 consecutive day stay limit. A break of 7 days is requested before making another reservation. 
  • Be aware, this facility is not cleaned between user visits. It is up to individual renters to bring their own cleaning supplies and clean before and after site use.
  • Learn more about the Kootenai 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 5, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service