Up Up Lookout

Beautiful but terrifying! This lookout sways more than most in the wind. We were the first visitors of the year and the heater was broken - the lookout is of course uninsulated, so this was a bit nerve wracking since it was so cold. We had cell service and were trying to figure out how to fix the heater with no luck. The last guest book entries of 2023 mentioned the broken heater too. On our second day, it started snowing quite a bit - luckily we somehow figured out how to fix the heater (someone had unplugged the electrode that ignited the pilot light...why on earth would someone do that?!). The rest of the stay was a little better with heat, but still pretty chilly. We spent most of the trip stuck inside with storms outside, so can't comment on hiking in the area.

We saw a moose and a bobcat on the drive up. This lookout has no cooking supplies or games but decent cleaning supplies.

Beautiful but terrifying! This lookout sways more than most in the wind. We were the first visitors of the year and the heater was broken - the lookout is of course uninsulated, so this was a bit nerve wracking since it was so cold. We had cell service and were trying to figure out how to fix the heater with no luck. The last guest book entries of 2023 mentioned the broken heater too. On our second day, it started snowing quite a bit - luckily we somehow figured out how to fix the heater (someone had unplugged the electrode that ignited the pilot light...why on earth would someone do that?!). The rest of the stay was a little better with heat, but still pretty chilly. We spent most of the trip stuck inside with storms outside, so can't comment on hiking in the area.

We saw a moose and a bobcat on the drive up. This lookout has no cooking supplies or games but decent cleaning supplies.

DON'T TRUST GOOGLE MAPS FOR DIRECTIONS! We followed the directions provided on this page (under "Getting Here") and it was super easy and straightforward - there are even signs on the forest roads leading up to the lookout to point you in the correct direction. The dirt road is well-maintained, and while it's a long drive, its easy and beautiful. The lookout itself is incredible -- super clean and tidy, with absolutely amazing views all around. No water or cooking supplies, so plan accordingly, but there are gas lights and a heater inside to keep you warm and well-lit. There's decent cell service there too, if that's a need you have. We had a blast, and would definitely recommend this spot to anyone!!

DON'T TRUST GOOGLE MAPS FOR DIRECTIONS! We followed the directions provided on this page (under "Getting Here") and it was super easy and straightforward - there are even signs on the forest roads leading up to the lookout to point you in the correct direction. The dirt road is well-maintained, and while it's a long drive, its easy and beautiful. The lookout itself is incredible -- super clean and tidy, with absolutely amazing views all around. No water or cooking supplies, so plan accordingly, but there are gas lights and a heater inside to keep you warm and well-lit. There's decent cell service there too, if that's a need you have. We had a blast, and would definitely recommend this spot to anyone!!

Beautiful and so peaceful! We spent the first night of our reservation car camping lost on an impassable FS road. Memories were made, to say the least. DO NOT follow Google directions (multiple logs in the book of people getting lost from those directions)! Google will take you to Up Up/Deer Creek Loop Road, resulting in a locked gated road. All the other roads in that area eventually become overgrown and too narrow to pass. TAKE exit 26 Ward Peak off the interstate. Unfortunately, the exit is only on the Eastbound side, so if you’re coming from Missoula, you’ll have to pass the exit and backtrack on the Eastbound side of the interstate. Upon taking Exit 26, it’s impossible to get lost because there are signs all the way to the lookout!

We decorated the lookout with lights to make it extra cozy at night. There’s a nice picnic area below the lookout, which is great for doing your cooking. It’s a pretty steep walk up to the lookout, and I wasn’t about to drag my cooking stuff up there, haha

This was lookout #12 for me, and I can’t wait to return!

Beautiful and so peaceful! We spent the first night of our reservation car camping lost on an impassable FS road. Memories were made, to say the least. DO NOT follow Google directions (multiple logs in the book of people getting lost from those directions)! Google will take you to Up Up/Deer Creek Loop Road, resulting in a locked gated road. All the other roads in that area eventually become overgrown and too narrow to pass. TAKE exit 26 Ward Peak off the interstate. Unfortunately, the exit is only on the Eastbound side, so if you’re coming from Missoula, you’ll have to pass the exit and backtrack on the Eastbound side of the interstate. Upon taking Exit 26, it’s impossible to get lost because there are signs all the way to the lookout!

We decorated the lookout with lights to make it extra cozy at night. There’s a nice picnic area below the lookout, which is great for doing your cooking. It’s a pretty steep walk up to the lookout, and I wasn’t about to drag my cooking stuff up there, haha

This was lookout #12 for me, and I can’t wait to return!

We didn’t end up making it to the lookout tower. We followed the directions google suggested when I clicked on the directions within the email I received. So as such, I don’t believe my rating should matter to anyone. I do recommend calling the number associated with the tower in advance to get the correct directions. The cell service in the area is terrific and the area is breathtaking.

We didn’t end up making it to the lookout tower. We followed the directions google suggested when I clicked on the directions within the email I received. So as such, I don’t believe my rating should matter to anyone. I do recommend calling the number associated with the tower in advance to get the correct directions. The cell service in the area is terrific and the area is breathtaking.

The Up Up Lookout is well equipped, clean, comfortable, and has absolutely spectacular views. A fantastic experience.

The Up Up Lookout is well equipped, clean, comfortable, and has absolutely spectacular views. A fantastic experience.