Had a relaxing time with mostly obscured views due to fires but that was OK anyway. I served on this lookout nearly 40 years ago having then never experienced the wind like we had one night of our stay this time. Appreciate the log book and extra amenities such as lanterns and games. Enjoyed hiking the trails below the lookout to enjoy fall colors beginning. And yes, everyone mentions the friendly ground squirrel which fed from my hand & would have come in if allowed. Enjoyed improving the rocky walk-up by rearranging & stabilizing some of the rocks. Beware; one needs to have an agile body, good eyes (and flashlight if arriving after dark) to operate the keypad at the upper gate. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Had a relaxing time with mostly obscured views due to fires but that was OK anyway. I served on this lookout nearly 40 years ago having then never experienced the wind like we had one night of our stay this time. Appreciate the log book and extra amenities such as lanterns and games. Enjoyed hiking the trails below the lookout to enjoy fall colors beginning. And yes, everyone mentions the friendly ground squirrel which fed from my hand & would have come in if allowed. Enjoyed improving the rocky walk-up by rearranging & stabilizing some of the rocks. Beware; one needs to have an agile body, good eyes (and flashlight if arriving after dark) to operate the keypad at the upper gate. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Everything worked as laid out in the instructions. The rocky uphill makes this experience worthwhile but tough to carry heavy ice chest etc. A really vintage facility.

Everything worked as laid out in the instructions. The rocky uphill makes this experience worthwhile but tough to carry heavy ice chest etc. A really vintage facility.

Great way to decompress and have a quiet time!

Great way to decompress and have a quiet time!

I wish I'd booked an additional night. This lookout is only 30 miles from my home, so I planned a single overnight stay for whatever reason. The road in is not even worth mentioning it's such an easy drive (high clearance isn't necessary). When I arrived, the clouds had enveloped the lookout and surrounding area. It was a bit chilly and damp (40°F with a brisk wind) so I started a fire around 5pm. I set to work just topping off the wood bin and splitting some wood down to kindling. I ended up having to open a window to cool off. The remainder of the evening I spent drawing and reading. I had my choice of which bed, all were equipped with thick sleeping pads and were very comfortable. This facility doesn't have the traditional Osborne Fire Finder, but it does have a propane oven/range, a propane bottle lantern, and a decent supply of cooking pans and utensils not to mention card games and board games. The lookout is well maintained and adequately stocked for sure. The vista is pretty as with nearly all Montana lookouts (every state for that matter, I suppose). More of the rolling low altitude mountains than I'm used to but not without its appeal. In June everything is still so green and lush. Because of the cloud cover I could only just make out the moon at night. And any light pollution was VERY localized and insignificant. I'd recommend making the trip. It is not a bad experience by any means.

I wish I'd booked an additional night. This lookout is only 30 miles from my home, so I planned a single overnight stay for whatever reason. The road in is not even worth mentioning it's such an easy drive (high clearance isn't necessary). When I arrived, the clouds had enveloped the lookout and surrounding area. It was a bit chilly and damp (40°F with a brisk wind) so I started a fire around 5pm. I set to work just topping off the wood bin and splitting some wood down to kindling. I ended up having to open a window to cool off. The remainder of the evening I spent drawing and reading. I had my choice of which bed, all were equipped with thick sleeping pads and were very comfortable. This facility doesn't have the traditional Osborne Fire Finder, but it does have a propane oven/range, a propane bottle lantern, and a decent supply of cooking pans and utensils not to mention card games and board games. The lookout is well maintained and adequately stocked for sure. The vista is pretty as with nearly all Montana lookouts (every state for that matter, I suppose). More of the rolling low altitude mountains than I'm used to but not without its appeal. In June everything is still so green and lush. Because of the cloud cover I could only just make out the moon at night. And any light pollution was VERY localized and insignificant. I'd recommend making the trip. It is not a bad experience by any means.

great setting, wood & propane a bonus, cabin will need ongoing work to deal with wear & tear, this is an important job for all who care about these historic structures

great setting, wood & propane a bonus, cabin will need ongoing work to deal with wear & tear, this is an important job for all who care about these historic structures