We try to stay at at least ten different lookouts per year in MT. So far Cougar is in the top three as far as views and location. Epic spot!

A great lookout experience! Take your time on the drive up and enjoy the views; it will take a little over an hour once you are on the Forest Service Road. The lookout itself was very clean and as expected. The short walk from parking can be a little tricky on the shale rock, but take your time and you'll be fine. There was an iron cooking grate, but wasn't really usable as such; I brough a grate from my home bbq and fashioned a cooking area by stacking the never-ending supply of shale rocks. The old outhouse seen in pictures is now stuffed to the ceiling with left behind firewood; the nearby vault toilet was clean and welcome. Our critter experience was lots of butterflies, birds of all types (including grouse with 5 or so youngsters), 5 mule deer (4 were bucks), and chipmunks and field mice (some of which scratched their way around the outside walkway at night, no big deal). Our Verizon coverage was great; we watch a World Cup game on the YouTubeTV app with no issues! Cougar Peak will now be at the top of our list for lookout stays in NW Montana and North Idaho!

Had a great time! The the area is mostly fire damaged trees, but great views into the valley and a nice hike right from the lookout area. The drive up is never-ending though. Rock punctured a tire on the way down. Just a heads up to be prepared when out and about.