OutReserve

Minton Peak Lookout

MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT
Minton Peak Lookout-twin bed
Minton Peak Lookout 1941
Minton Peak Lookout-wood stove
Minton Peak Lookout-table

About Minton Peak Lookout

Minton Peak Lookout is situated in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,351 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The original lookout was constructed in 1932, replaced in 1968, and completely rebuilt in 2011. The mountain was named after Col. David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded (and is buried) near the mouth of Minton Creek. The lookout is typically open from late June through mid-October and is accessible by car. This rustic retreat offers a few amenities, but guests should pack in most of their own supplies and gear.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Jun 19

Sites & Availability

1 Site Available

Site
Price
001, Loop: MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT
4 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$55.00
/ per night

Reviews (26)

What Guests Are Saying

Minton Peak Lookout offers a clean, comfortable, and well-appointed stay, with appreciated window screens, good mattresses, and ample firewood and gas for cooking. Guests rave about the stunning views, particularly in favorable weather, and the abundance of huckleberries. While some noted issues with cell reception and suggested bringing camp chairs due to limited seating, the overall experience is highly recommended, with many planning to return.

Review Summary

4.8
26 reviews
5
80.8%
21
4
19.2%
5
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Joshua S

Verified

August 31, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT

5

By far my favorite lookout! The cabin is super clean and updated with fresh paint and laminate floors. The views are amazing and pretty easy getting to the cabin. The pit toilet is also probably the cleanest one we have seen at a lookout facility! Plenty of area around the cabin for activities as well. Every time we have been here the Forest Service has plenty of firewood for the fire pit and stove in the cabin. Thank you FS for this amazing facility and taking such great care of it! I will absolutely be back!
Tip- It is very hard to find cell service up there. There is one spot we found past the gate on the way down from the lookout on one of the rock out cropping you can see coming down the lookout road. If you are a skilled enough explorer, we built a small rock tower to mark the exact location. Happy hunting!

Marilyn S

Verified

July 29, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT

4

very relaxing

RANDALL B

Verified

July 19, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT

5

Minton Lookout is in excellent condition. Beautiful view over the Clark Fork River with the Cabinet Mountains in the background. We had a great stay with a moonless night, brilliant stars and a good look at the NEOWISE comet in the pre-dawn sky.

Ashley S

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT

5

Such an amazing place to visit!

Erin B

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT

5

This is my favorite place to camp! Quiet, serene and peaceful. I try to go twice a season at least. Thank you for making this lookout so wonderful!

Barbara H

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT

5

Easy to find. Only trouble we’re the logging trucks using the roads! This lookout was very clean.

Location Minton Peak Lookout

Address:
2693 Mt Hwy 200
Trout Creek, MT, 59874
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 47.8284 / -115.771

Elevation: 1629 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Please call the Ranger District at (406) 827-3533 prior to arrival to confirm your stay

General

Check-in 2:00 pm / Check-out 11:00 am

General

There is no water source available at the lookout; guests must provide their own for drinking, cooking and washing.

General

Access depends on weather conditions.

General

Please pack out all trash and food and clean the lookout before departure.

General

There is a 5 consecutive day stay limit. A break of 7 days is requested before making another reservation. 

General

Be aware, this facility is not cleaned between user visits. It is up to individual renters to bring their own cleaning supplies and clean before and after site use.

General

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.

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