Thompson Peak Lookout provides great views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, the Idaho state line and, of course, the big sky of Montana. It is close enough to Superior to allow for easy access, but remote enough to provide the quiet and solitude expected at a lookout. The modernized tower provides amenities not typical to a lookout, making it a desirable place to stay.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Photography
Year-round
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Photography
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a well-maintained facility with stunning 360-degree views, making it a memorable experience for families and visitors. The amenities, including a fridge, cooktop, and well-stocked supplies, enhance the stay. However, access requires 4-wheel drive due to some potholes in the road, and some guests experienced interruptions from nearby workers and occasional smoke affecting visibility.
This lookout way exceeded my expectations! It was clean and very well kept. The road to the lookout was in great shape. Cell service is great. It was so thrilling to stay there! Absolutely worth it!!!
This lookout way exceeded my expectations! It was clean and very well kept. The road to the lookout was in great shape. Cell service is great. It was so thrilling to stay there! Absolutely worth it!!!
From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 mi to Exit 47 for Superior. Turn left at the stop sign. At the next stop sign turn left and proceed under the interstate. Turn left onto Diamond Match Road, towards the Exxon Gas Station, a...
From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 mi to Exit 47 for Superior. Turn left at the stop sign. At the next stop sign turn left and proceed under the interstate. Turn left onto Diamond Match Road, towards the Exxon Gas Station, and continue just over a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 320. Drive for about 3 mi and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 mi to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District at 406-822-4233.
The Thompson Peak Lookout Tower is accessible via I-90, approximately 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
The lookout is locked; you'll receive the key code with your reservation.
Cancellation policy
Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Utilities
There is no water supply at the lookout.
Site types & loops
The lookout is a shared space with ongoing communication activities.
Safety & rules
Repairs may occur on the first and second floors during your stay.
Be informed about safety regarding bears, water, and weather before booking.
Pack out all garbage, food, and personal items after your stay.
Pets
Smoking and pets are not allowed at the lookout.
General
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.
Site capacity
You can stay a maximum of 3 nights per reservation.