Hornet Lookout

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340
HUNGRY HORSE, MT 59919

Overview

Hornet Lookout provides guests with astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain, including Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake on clear days. On some nights, the Northern Lights may be seen from the lookout. Visitors also enjoy access to a variety of recreational activities.

Access to the lookout requires a one-mile hike from the trailhead at the parking area. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Hiking and mountain biking on the gravel roads and trails are among the activities available in the area. Viewing wildlife is another rewarding pastime.

Facilities

The two-story lookout sits at ground level. The ground level provides a living space for two guests and the second story is a small loft used solely for full views of the region. The lookout's rustic accommodations include a propane cook stove, propane lantern, two cots, a small wood stove for heat. A pit toilet is provided outside the lookout. Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required.

No water is available. Guests should pack their own bedding, water, first aid kit and food, among other necessities. Click here for more cabin details.

Natural Features

The scenic lookout is perched atop Hornet Peak, at an elevation of 6,744 feet. Nearby peaks include Wedge Mountain and Akinkoka Peak. The rustic lookout was built in 1922 and, in its prime, played an integral role for detecting forest fires in the North Fork area. A 2003 wildfire charred the surrounding area, but wildflowers and bear grass are making a comeback.

Glacier View Ranger District is bordered on the east by the North Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park. To the north is Canada and west is the Montana's Kootenai National Forest.

Nearby Attractions

Glacier National Park and the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River are nearby.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Largest party: 2 people

Fees

Reservations can be made one to 180 days in advance. The rental fee is $40 per night and there is a maximum stay of three consecutive nights with a total of seven days per calendar year. Federal Pass discounts do not apply.

Directions

From Columbia Falls, take Nucleus Avenue north through Columbia Falls and turn east on Railroad Street. At the stop sign, the road becomes the North Fork Road. Continue on North Fork Road for about 45 miles and over the railroad overpass. Turn left (west) on Whale Creek Road 318 and drive 4 miles, then turn right on the narrow Hornet Road 9805 and go 5.2 miles to the trailhead of Hornet Trail 349. Hike about a mile to the lookout.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

19 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Andrew S

Loop:Area Hornet Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

This was my first time at a fire lookout or similar. I did not know what to expect, but it was super cool! The drive was less intense than I was expecting from previous reviews, but still required going slow and being careful. Apple maps doesn’t get you there. Google Maps does. There are road signs along the way to follow. They are correct. There is a new outhouse. Two windows are broken out, but they are sealed from bugs. The fire extinguisher had been depleted prior to our arrival. We brought mouse traps, used all of them, and left them for the next visitors. We caught 5 in one night. You’ll want to bring sanitizer wipes for the table. There are many small items provided, most notable: axe, saw, broom, small shovel, 3 cots, stove, propane, and cookware. The cookware is in rough shape and I suggest bringing your own. We didn’t have a fire in the stove. The vent pipe cap was inside on the stove. Wildlife was abundant. Sunset/sunrise was phenomenal.

Mike J

Loop:Area Hornet Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The lookout was amazing! I had stayed there over a decade ago and they have added a lot of upgrades. Last time the wind just ripped through the lookout, this time so completely different. There was a propane cook stove and way more cooking implements. The view is one you will never forget!

Zachary J

Loop:Area Hornet Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Had an awesome stay at Hornet lookout. Amazing sunset and sunrise and the stars and Milky Way were so bright. It’s just under a 1 mile hike with roughly 750ft elevation gain according to my Apple Watch so it’s a steep hike! There was a deer hanging around the lookout in the evening and a huge buck even showed up after dark and was snorting and grunting at the other deer (gave us a scare) This is a MUST stay spot near Glacier!

Janet O

Loop:Area Hornet Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

I enjoyed my stay. The views are exceptional at Hornet. The woodstove is a little smokey, bring your own mouse traps and bring a sheet of plastic to cover your stuff if it rains. In spite of the afore mentioned issues, I look forward to staying at Hornet again.

Jamilee S

Loop:Area Hornet Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

I finally got a reservation for Hornet and it was everything I had hoped for. What a beautiful drive and easy hike up! The lookout was clean, well stocked and the views were epic. The resident Collared mule deer made sure we felt welcome. While there were a couple of broken windows and the wood stove had a note saying it wasn't working, we saw all of the materials prepped there for upcoming restoration. And those items didn't affect our stay one bit. This lookout is such a gem. Stunning sunrise, sunset, and view forever in between. The cots were actually extremely comfortable as well!

Garrett W

Loop:Area Hornet Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

We had a great trip! We had blue bird days and clear nights. The fireplace was enough to warm up the cabin for sleeping. Plenty of firewood around and the people before us left some wood so we tried to do the same. We ended up having mice as residents and killed 8 with the traps supplied (tried with the slingshot). Make sure you hang up your food and garbage at night! Overall, a great spot though!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve