About Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Number of accommodations: 1
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Birding
Hiking
Photography
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Power Service
Fire Pit
Kitchen
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Power Service
Connectivity and Media
- Cell Reception
Cooking and Fire
- Fire Pit
Cabin Interior
- Kitchen
- Heating
- Air Conditioning
Cabin Outdoor Features
- Deck or Patio
Views and Setting
- View
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001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Site Details
Reviews (93)
What Guests Are Saying
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a unique and enjoyable stay with stunning panoramic views and a well-equipped kitchen, making it easy to cook and store food. The surrounding deck and clean accommodations enhance the experience, though the access road requires a 4-wheel drive due to potholes. Some guests noted noise from nearby workers and bugs due to the tower’s yellow paint, but overall, it is highly recommended for its beauty and amenities.
What Guests Are Saying
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a unique and enjoyable stay with stunning panoramic views and a well-equipped kitchen, making it easy to cook and store food. The surrounding deck and clean accommodations enhance the experience, though the access road requires a 4-wheel drive due to potholes. Some guests noted noise from nearby workers and bugs due to the tower’s yellow paint, but overall, it is highly recommended for its beauty and amenities.
Review Summary
Frances C
VerifiedJune 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 2-night stay here. All was very clean. We washed the windows even cleaner for the next occupants. A real treat to have power for cooking and refrigeration. Road up was in good shape. Enjoyed finding plenty of blossoming wildflowers, great views, lovely sunset and huge moon. Different to have interior carpeted stairways and the off limits humming electronic rooms. Ventilation was great with opening windows in the cabin and stairway, plus we propped the heavy metal entrance door open to draw air upward. No mice. Chipmunks outside are always entertaining along with the birds busying about. Nice to hear the train in the valley below. This is not the place if you totally want to be devoid of human-made noises; we loved the proximity for our first lookout stay of the season. Plenty of supplies even dish soap, which I forgot to bring. The two folding chairs are most comfortable. Only thing I found myself looking for was a couple of places to hang hats & towels. As a former, 40+ years ago, lookout I appreciated the functioning alidade, which was missing one cross hair. We sort of fixed that by installing dental floss! Thanks for the great facility and keeping it available for people to enjoy its history.
Stephanie K
VerifiedJune 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
One of our favorite lookout towers! We’ve been here two years in a row and we can’t wait to go back. The tower is very clean and has electricity and running water, so it’s not as primitive as some lookout towers, but this makes it an easier stay. The view is unbeatable!!
Stephanie K
VerifiedJune 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
One of our favorite lookout towers! We’ve been here two years in a row and we can’t wait to go back. The tower is very clean and has electricity and running water, so it’s not as primitive as some lookout towers, but this makes it an easier stay. The view is unbeatable!!
Stephanie K
VerifiedJune 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
One of our favorite lookout towers! We’ve been here two years in a row and we can’t wait to go back. The tower is very clean and has electricity and running water, so it’s not as primitive as some lookout towers, but this makes it an easier stay. The view is unbeatable!!
David C
VerifiedNovember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Very well signed access, and unique in having electricity. Very nice windows and balcony. The not exactly dulcet hum of the electronics on sight takes a bit of getting used to. The kids keep requesting a return visit to the lookout with carpet.
David C
VerifiedNovember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Very well signed access, and unique in having electricity. Very nice windows and balcony. The not exactly dulcet hum of the electronics on sight takes a bit of getting used to. The kids keep requesting a return visit to the lookout with carpet.
David C
VerifiedNovember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Very well signed access, and unique in having electricity. Very nice windows and balcony. The not exactly dulcet hum of the electronics on sight takes a bit of getting used to. The kids keep requesting a return visit to the lookout with carpet.
Brina M
VerifiedOctober 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Great spot to touch down for a night and experience time in the lookout! The noise from the comms center/radios on the floor below was extremely loud late at night (11:30p) and thankfully quieted down by midnight.
Brina M
VerifiedOctober 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Great spot to touch down for a night and experience time in the lookout! The noise from the comms center/radios on the floor below was extremely loud late at night (11:30p) and thankfully quieted down by midnight.
Brina M
VerifiedOctober 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER
Great spot to touch down for a night and experience time in the lookout! The noise from the comms center/radios on the floor below was extremely loud late at night (11:30p) and thankfully quieted down by midnight.
Location Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Address:
P.O. Box 460
Superior, MT, 59872
United States
From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 miles 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 miles and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 miles 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.
Latitude & Longitude: 47.1783 / -114.908
Elevation: 1398 feet
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 4, 2026
