Big Hole Lookout (MT)

Beautiful location, well kept and preserved, with a spring nearby and plenty of wild life

First experience in a fire lookout and it could not have gone any better!!! The place was welcoming and clean. The weather was absolutely perfect. The mountain goat visited the first night. It was so cool to stay up there on top of the mountain. I saw lots of wildlife and so many types of birds. It’s a great spot to take almost anyone. The drive and hike were very mellow by Montana standards. Just don’t solely use GPS unless it’s to find Weeksville. Thank you forest service and the wild horse plains backcountry horsemen for restoring it. I definitely recommend!

Such an amazing time!! The hike up isn’t too bad until the last 1/2 mile to the lookout but it’s worth it. The sunset, stars, and sunrise were incredible!

Another great stay at Big Hole Lookout. We enjoyed snacking on huckleberries on our way up and down the mountain and visited with the backcountry horsemen club folks who arrived as we were departing for a couple of days of service at the lookout. Huge thanks to them and USFS for all they do to support this cabin!

We were disappointed to find a significant stash of dog food left behind at the cabin. I didn’t think they were allowed here but perhaps the policy has changed and it’s a major rodent attractant.

This was an amazing experience. We went when it was snowing, so it was quite cold. Luckily there was plenty of firewood available outside the lookout. Make sure to read the website's directions for getting to the lookout. Google maps tried to take us to the complete opposite side of the mountain.

Excellent fire lookout rental. Well stocked and well kept with indoor space for 4 people. Once on the Big Hole Road, you only need to drive 9 miles. At the mile 9 marker, there is an option to turn right and you will find a very large cleared parking area with a brand new and very clean pit toilet and a corral for horses. It is much easier than parking in a pull out along the road. It is also nice to avoid some of the overgrown bushes that scrape against your car if you drive further than mile marker 9.

The views at the top were so beautiful. Great experience!

I’m so grateful for all the work put into this place! It’s a special place of solitude.
If you stay here please respect that, a lot of people volunteer to resupply and keep this place well stocked and full of comforts that normally wouldn’t be available on backpacking trips.
If you do use the wood burning stove, make sure you know how to use it.
Clean up after yourself and leave some logs for the next person.
Again if you don’t know how to use the tools provided, don’t use it.
Thank you to all the people who made it what it is! Can’t wait for my next trip up.

Awesome stay! Beautiful views!Pretty steep hike for the last bit.
Stocked with pots , pans, stove and gas canisters . Lots of empty jugs for water gathering , we had brought our own and didn't gather any. there isn't much water up there as of this time so make sure to bring your own!

Wonderful experience! The lookout is well stocked (as of 7/5) with a camping stove, propane, firewood, dishes and pots, cleaning supplies and potable water (but certainly bring your own). George the goat visited us at night. No sight of bears, but they're reported to be on the trail. It was the perfect introduction to fire lookouts. Easy hike up and down, and the road to the trailhead was not bad.