About Cougar Peak Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
001, Loop: AREA COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (17)
What Guests Are Saying
Cougar Peak Lookout offers stunning views and a cozy atmosphere, making it a great getaway for couples or small groups. The area has a beautiful hiking trail to Graves Peak and ample firewood available. Although the drive is lengthy and can be challenging, especially for vehicles without good tires, many guests enjoyed their stay and appreciated the cleanliness and comfort of the lookout.
What Guests Are Saying
Cougar Peak Lookout offers stunning views and a cozy atmosphere, making it a great getaway for couples or small groups. The area has a beautiful hiking trail to Graves Peak and ample firewood available. Although the drive is lengthy and can be challenging, especially for vehicles without good tires, many guests enjoyed their stay and appreciated the cleanliness and comfort of the lookout.
Review Summary
Kate B
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
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 miles 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!
Scott F
VerifiedJuly 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
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.
Amanda B
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
The lookout was beautiful and comfy. We really enjoyed our stay.
Robert K
VerifiedAugust 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
(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.
sam l
VerifiedJuly 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
Lee V
VerifiedJuly 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT
Great spot and I like that there is a gate on the way up.
Susan H
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA 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.
Location Cougar Peak Lookout
Address:
408 Clayton, Po Box 429
Plains, MT, 59859
United States
From Thompson Falls, Montana, travel west on Highway 200 for about a mile. Before crossing the Clark Fork River bridge, turn right onto Blue Slide Road and continue about 8 miles, to the junction with Forest Road 403. Turn right and travel about 14 miles to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.
Cougar Peak Lookout is accessible via Highway 200, which is approximately 1 mile east of the site. Blue Slide Road connects to Highway 200 and provides access to the lookout.
Latitude & Longitude: 47.7444 / -115.383
Elevation: 2024 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- Water is not available on-site.
- Guests must hike 150 feet from the parking area to the lookout.
- This facility is located in a remote area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety.
- All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out.
- Learn more about the Lolo National Forest at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- The entry gate and lookout remains locked; a key code will be sent to you in your reservation confirmation.
- Maximum stay limit is 3 nights per reservation.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
