Cougar Peak Lookout

We loved the rock art, haven't seen that at the other lookouts we've visited. A stay at Cougar Peak is a good lesson on how quickly life returns after a fire. The lookout itself was cleaner and in better repair that others we have stayed. Now that renting lookouts has been 'discovered,' it would be a good idea to require an IQ test to those wanting to rent them.

Great spot and I like that there is a gate on the way up.

(This comment has been passed on to the Lolo National Forest.)

A large wildfire came close to wiping out this lookout in 2018 (I think the year is correct.) A significant amount of burned area can be seen from the lookout. There is an excellent opportunity for the Forest Service to educate the public with a small booklet or info sheet in the lookout regarding this wildfire.

I have stayed here several times over the past 10 years or so and have enjoyed it immensely. It has significant nostalgia for me since I staffed this lookout during the summer of 1966. I am very grateful that the Forest Service has maintained these facilities for public use.

The lookout was beautiful and comfy. We really enjoyed our stay.

The Forest Service put in some nice new furniture and the lookout is in great shape. It was very clean when we arrived. Thanks to all who help make this experience happen.

Sooooo beautiful at Cougar Peak! We saw a meteor shower, as well as colorful sunrises and sunsets. If you go, definitely hike out to Graves Peak and Vermillion Pass! You can hike beyond the pass to Mt. Headley or Slide Rock Mtn trail, if you are feeling motivated. The area did burn last fall in the Thorne Creek fire, but is still absolutely gorgeous.

The forest service gate is approx. 2 mi below the lookout, but that didn't keep a big group of people from hiking up to the lookout while I was up there...... just something to be aware of!

The lookout itself was very clean and very well taken care of - great job, USFS folks! There is a new vault toilet near the lookout, which is a very nice improvement! No screens on the windows to the lookout, so lots of flies if the windows were opened.

It's fairly difficult to score a reservation for this lookout, so I was grateful that it worked out!

My husband and I had a lovely time on Cougar Peak. That some windows opened was very nice. Also appreciated the small screened low vent on the north side to allow great air circulation. The mattress was the most comfortable of any lookout ones we've experienced. Too warm to use the woodstove. Sunsets & rises were lovely. Hiking trail towards Graves Peak was very enjoyable. But mostly we enjoyed settling into watching the change of light throughout the day and getting out all our maps to better understand the country. The second day we also washed as many windows as we could before running out of toweling; they were in good need of cleaning. A lovely experience; directions were spot on and combo locks functioned easily. Thank you.