Mission Lookout

Show on map 406-837-7500 anthony.butterfield@usda.gov

200 RANGER STATION ROAD
BIGFORK, MT 59911

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Largest party: 4 people

Fees

Mission Lookout is available for $45 a night for a maximum stay of seven consecutive nights. Within the maximum window (a rolling 6 month window), the maximum consecutive stay rule is 7 days and there is a Stay Beyond Maximum Window where customers can book past the 6 month rolling window if there is availability on the last day(s) of the maximum window.

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.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

35 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

megan d

Loop:Area Mission Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Drive up was super chill- you can drive right up to the staircase basically. Views are stunning. There is a lil outhouse and a fire pit to use. We spent the whole time up in the lookout playing board games and relaxing! (Bed fits two 6’0+ people FYI and there were other cots available). Would stay again!

Rachel W

Loop:Area Mission Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Amazing view and easy access. Could be difficult if you struggle with stairs or lugging items up a lot of stairs. Other than that it’s amazing.

Joseph S

Loop:Area Mission Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Close the gate behind you or random people may show up.

Caitlin L

Loop:Area Mission Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The lookout is an incredible experience and is very well cared for. We were so surprised how cozy the cabin was! The bathroom was also in great shape. The mosquitoes were brutal - I would say this is the only downside.

Rachel D

Loop:Area Mission Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Had a great time at this lookout again this year. I stayed a single night with my boyfriend. I wiped down surfaces and swept the floor before we left. Overall a great visit. Hot and lots of mosquitos, but that’s mid-July. No wildlife seen. Road was in decent condition.

Leslie D

Loop:Area Mission Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

The stairs are a little intimidating but the reward of a very well appointed and clean lookout at the top is well worth it!

Availability

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

Reserve