Mission Lookout
Mission Lookout towers above the forest canopy, providing guests with unrivaled 360-degree views of the beautiful Swan Range, Mission Mountains and Swan Lake. The site served for 75 years as a fire detection tower, and the current lookout has been around since its construction in 1959.
The tower can be accessed by vehicle. A parking area is adjacent to the facility. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Will sleep up to 4 people. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in the Lookout.
The 15-by-15 facility sits atop a 40-foot tower. It is equipped with a built-in double bed and two folding cots, to accommodate up to four adults. The lookout also has a propane cooking stove, simple cooking utensils and a table with four chairs. A modern vault toilet, picnic area and fire ring are located at the base of the tower.
No water or electricity is available. Guests should bring plenty of water, bedding, food, firewood, toiletries and a non-open flame light source, such as a battery-powered lantern, as candles are not allowed within the cabin. href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=67022&actid=101">Click here for more cabin details.
Need to Know
Water, electricity and sewer is not available at the cabin. There is a vault toilet at the base of the lookout.
- Grizzly bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage
- The lookout is a 40-foot tower and guests must be prepared to climb and carry provisions up the steep stairway; due to the height of the tower, children under age 10 are discouraged
During your stay the Forest Service or their representatives may be present at or around the cabin to perform repairs, stocking of cabin supplies, snow removal, or any other general maintenance.
Pets are not allowed at the lookout
- Candles or any other open flames are prohibited within the structure
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility
- Contact the ranger district office at (406) 837-7500, during normal office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for updates on weather and road conditions; refunds will not be given for inclement weather or road conditions
- The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter
- Guests must clean cabin prior to departure; a fee will be charged if extra clean-up is needed
- Commercial use of cabin is prohibited
- Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest
- 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.
Natural Features
At an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet, the cabin affords views of Flathead National Forest, including the Mission Mountains and Swan Lake.
A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Swan Lake, about 15 minutes away, has a general store with limited groceries and a restaurant.
Recreation
Along with the spectacular scenery, the immediate area offers visitors an unlimited array of outdoor activities ranging from fishing and swimming at the nearby Swan Lake, to watching migratory waterfowl at the wildlife viewing area.
Hunting is also popular not far from the lookout. Shooting within 150 yards of the Lookout or from/across roads is prohibited.
A variety of hiking and mountain biking trails can be found in the area.
Contact Information
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200 RANGER STATION ROAD BIGFORK MT 59911
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-837-7500
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Swan Lake, travel south on Highway 83 for 3 miles. Turn west onto Porcupine Creek Road 10229 (mile-marker 68). After passing Forest Road 9714, turn right onto Forest Road 9803 (2.2 miles after leaving the state highway). Continue on Forest Road 9803 for 1.4 miles, to a gate. The gate may be opened. If not, it can be opened with the same combination code as the tower. The tower and parking area are located just beyond the gate.
