Big Hole Lookout (MT)

We took our granddaughters 8 & 10 into Big Hole Lookout, we all very much enjoyed our time there. Very clean, well stocked and maintained! Pretty nice hike in not too difficult… beautiful views from the lookout with amazing sunsets and sunrises.

Beautiful views and a well-maintained trail! A nice gradual incline with a few decently steep sections. Even with my mom and three dogs, two of which were small Boston Terriers, we made it up to the lookout in a few hours.

My only complaint is the Forest Service front desk admin didn’t give me the correct directions to the spring. She told me it was off of Todd Spring Trail 345, which it was not, and added 3 miles of searching/exploring. Once you get up to the lookout, there will be a sign close to the outhouse labeled “spring ¾ mile” with an arrow and a well-traveled trail down to the spring.

Bringing some mouse poison to put under the lookout would be a good idea. I’ve never heard so many mice throughout the night! An ample supply of propane, wood, plates, bowls, silverware, pots/pans, and cleaning supplies were available in the lookout. The lookout also has a twin-size mattress, multiple cots, and a propane stove, which Wild Horse Plains Back County Horseman generously donated. We didn’t have any visitors (including the residential Mtn goat George), but there is a Geocache next to the lookout, which might bring up more visitors.

The lookout was in fantastic shape and well-stocked and the trail was well maintained. The views are top notch all day but the sunrise and sunset were both incredible. Bring bear aware is especially important as we saw a bear while hiking down to the spring and the other two groups we saw also reported seeing one or more bears on the main trail.

The two-track up was entirely manageable with a passenger car if someone so chooses and the route is well marked. Plenty of space for a few vehicles to park when you reach the trailhead. I really enjoyed the hike in despite being out of shape because it was a nice steady grade which allowed me to keep a nice steady pace. Not that I wasn't relieved to finally arrive, but there was a pleasant breeze from the SW the entire time which kept me reasonably cool in the ample tree cover. I stopped to rest maybe three times and still made it in less than 1:45 with plenty of water to spare.

Since the lookout is newly restored in the last two years everything is immaculate and in excellent condition. Several folks were also kind enough to make the trek down to the spring (700' elevation change in 0.75 miles - not for the faint of heart) and fill the four gallon-size water jugs, so if you bring a filter there is plenty of water available for drinking. Large potable jugs provided by Wild Horse Plains Back Country Horseman are also available.

The views are spectacular. The area is loaded with huckleberries (at the right time). Apparently there is a goat that visits (I did not meet him), but there is plenty of other wildlife to see. I do wish they had retained/restored the Osborne Fire Finder, but I know that is quite an expense, still, sad to see it missing from the restoration. There are all the basic amenities present, although the bed is just a twin size and no cots. A few foldout chairs complement the existing wood table and chairs (2). Also, what I personally loved seeing, PLENTY of hooks in the ceiling to hang a lamp - there's even a heat shield above the bed for hanging a gas lantern. The windows do slide open still, but unfortunately there are no screens. Make of that what you will.

Well worth the hike. It's a fabulous restoration and I can hardly wait to make the trip again!

First time staying at a lookout and was so so impressed with all the groups who helped restore it! Had everything and more than we were looking for in a overnight stay, special views, solitude, and beautiful weather. Would highly highly recommend!

Loved every part of this lookout and hike! Wonderfully maintained! We even saw the Wild Horse Plains Backcountry Horseman on our trek in after clearing the trail. Immensely Grateful for our volunteers!

Awesome Renovation of the lookout! The trail was easy to find and the solitude was worth the climb to the lookout. Plenty of supplies for cooking and cleaning in the lookout. Plenty of extra cots, axe, splitting maul, etc. Make sure to be Bear Aware while on the trail, came across a Black bear on the way in and out. Plenty of other wildlife as well! Thank you Backcountry Horsemen for all your hard work at maintenance of this great lookout

Incredible spot. The recent restoration is gorgeous and all visitors have keep this place incredibly tidy. There is a lot of love for this spot. We visited when the Montana skies were pretty smoky, so didn't get to enjoy the panoramic views. But there are plenty of huckleberries to pick and trails to hike around.