Big Hole Lookout (MT)

Google maps is not your friend for this trip! Google will try to take you up the backside of the mountain. The driving instructions in the listing are accurate.

Thank you to the local BCH chapter for so lovingly restoring and caring for this special place. There is a wood pile that they donate for cabin use just beyond the outhouse--they ask that the supply within the cabin be replenished from the pile near the outhouse with whatever you might have used during your stay, upon your departure. :)

What a cool place!! We were in awe with the views… The lookout was in great condition. We will definitely be back.

I enjoyed two great nights, first was clear and the stars were amazing, the second I experienced some lightening off in the distance but it lit up the lookout with every strike, an experience I will not forget. The accommodations are great and the hike up was not too bad at only 2.7 mi. The lookout was a good base camp for me, using the next full day to hike down, travel to another Trailhead, hike and back to the lookout for the night. Bringing my own water both times I hiked into the lookout made the weight of bringing in water not bad at all. The spring that is 3/4 mi down the hill from the lookout was reported on 9/1 to be dry so I never did go check it for myself since I had plenty and the wild horse plains back country horseman had plenty of water in the lookout if I did not want to use what I brought. The wild horse plains back country horseman have really made the lookout a peaceful, amazing place to stay.

My 2nd time up at Big Hole and it truly never disappoints. This is one of the best stocked fire towers around thanks to the Backcountry Horsemen and their efforts of keeping supplies stocked and water at the tower. I always try to bring up something extra such as fuel, lighters, etc. to leave as extra supplies when needed. Truly a magical experience and can be more thankful for those who keep these towers open.

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 mi 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 mi. 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.