Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge

Oh where to start with this lookout..

Out of 17 lookout rentals, this was the worst for visitors, and judging from the logbook, it would be rare never to have a few visitors. The first night, I had a couple with three dogs try camping below me. After speaking with them and explaining my concerns and unease with having them camp there, they agreed to move down the road and camp for the night. On the second day, I had over a group of 30+ people visit in one go! They climbed all over the lookout and became upset when I wouldn’t let them through the trap door. They continued to hang out under the lookout for a few hours, making food, drinking, yelling, and playing music (they did have multiple dogs between the group, and my dog was having a fit).

I should also mention that there is no gate or signage leading up to this lookout, warning visitors that the lookout is rented and that they must respect the occupant’s privacy. I did leave messages with the Libby and Troy Forest Service Office, so hopefully, they will make some improvements to the lookout to ensure the occupant’s privacy! From previous reviews, it seems I’m not the only one who has made these suggestions to them with zero action. If I were to go again, I’d bring a chain to put across the road ¾ - 1 mi before the lookout and padlock it. I know the Forest Service advises against this action. Still, as a single female renting a space in the remote mountains, I don’t want to constantly be looking over my shoulder worrying about a creepy stranger showing up at god knows what hour of the day or night.

Oh where to start with this lookout..

Out of 17 lookout rentals, this was the worst for visitors, and judging from the logbook, it would be rare never to have a few visitors. The first night, I had a couple with three dogs try camping below me. After speaking with them and explaining my concerns and unease with having them camp there, they agreed to move down the road and camp for the night. On the second day, I had over a group of 30+ people visit in one go! They climbed all over the lookout and became upset when I wouldn’t let them through the trap door. They continued to hang out under the lookout for a few hours, making food, drinking, yelling, and playing music (they did have multiple dogs between the group, and my dog was having a fit).

I should also mention that there is no gate or signage leading up to this lookout, warning visitors that the lookout is rented and that they must respect the occupant’s privacy. I did leave messages with the Libby and Troy Forest Service Office, so hopefully, they will make some improvements to the lookout to ensure the occupant’s privacy! From previous reviews, it seems I’m not the only one who has made these suggestions to them with zero action. If I were to go again, I’d bring a chain to put across the road ¾ - 1 mi before the lookout and padlock it. I know the Forest Service advises against this action. Still, as a single female renting a space in the remote mountains, I don’t want to constantly be looking over my shoulder worrying about a creepy stranger showing up at god knows what hour of the day or night.

Road up is definitely slow going! Glad we didn't have visitors as we took a couple kids and would have been pretty uncomfortable with 30+ people being rowdy below the lookout during our stay. Definitely seems in the norm to have people come up and be disrespectful unfortunately

Road up is definitely slow going! Glad we didn't have visitors as we took a couple kids and would have been pretty uncomfortable with 30+ people being rowdy below the lookout during our stay. Definitely seems in the norm to have people come up and be disrespectful unfortunately

Great lookout!

Great lookout!

I had a full experience at this lookout during the passing of a cold front that brought high winds and snow. I was surprised how much the tower could sway! The last 3 mi before the lookout are a bit of a rock crawl but I found the directions to be great on the website and the signs marked the roads well. Unfortunately I couldn't get the heater or stove to work so it was a very chilly night (got to 35⁰) but a midnight break in the storm to see the aurora was pretty amazing. As a single person I did struggle with the trap door when I arrived and was unable to lower it while standing on the icy stairs the next morning. Sorry! The views before the storm were unbelievable and this was truly an experience I will remember forever. Thanks for the opportunity!

I had a full experience at this lookout during the passing of a cold front that brought high winds and snow. I was surprised how much the tower could sway! The last 3 mi before the lookout are a bit of a rock crawl but I found the directions to be great on the website and the signs marked the roads well. Unfortunately I couldn't get the heater or stove to work so it was a very chilly night (got to 35⁰) but a midnight break in the storm to see the aurora was pretty amazing. As a single person I did struggle with the trap door when I arrived and was unable to lower it while standing on the icy stairs the next morning. Sorry! The views before the storm were unbelievable and this was truly an experience I will remember forever. Thanks for the opportunity!

2nd time staying at Baldy Buckhorn! I love the drive up there. We saw a rabbit, a few mulies, grouse, white tail deer, and lots of other birds. Beautiful sunset. Fast forward to our night.... HOLY MOLY! Biggest wind-storm Ive ever been in, in a tower. It rocked back and forth, shook us all night long! It was insane, and pretty scary! The wind howled through the glass pane windows! Was very glad when morning came---the wind still was blowing, but we had plans to head to Glacier, so we didnt stick around too long. The propane heat and stove were very much appreciated. We didnt get cold, and we were able to cook our hamburgers. It was awesome.
I was a tad disappointed that this tower was a bit dirty. Hadnt been swept or wiped down at all. As usual, we did leave it cleaner than we found it. Hope other guests will do better also. This is what keeps them operating, is everyone doing their share. Thanks FS for allowing us to stay! We love the LO's! XOXO

2nd time staying at Baldy Buckhorn! I love the drive up there. We saw a rabbit, a few mulies, grouse, white tail deer, and lots of other birds. Beautiful sunset. Fast forward to our night.... HOLY MOLY! Biggest wind-storm Ive ever been in, in a tower. It rocked back and forth, shook us all night long! It was insane, and pretty scary! The wind howled through the glass pane windows! Was very glad when morning came---the wind still was blowing, but we had plans to head to Glacier, so we didnt stick around too long. The propane heat and stove were very much appreciated. We didnt get cold, and we were able to cook our hamburgers. It was awesome.
I was a tad disappointed that this tower was a bit dirty. Hadnt been swept or wiped down at all. As usual, we did leave it cleaner than we found it. Hope other guests will do better also. This is what keeps them operating, is everyone doing their share. Thanks FS for allowing us to stay! We love the LO's! XOXO