Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental

Show on map406-293-7773
12557 HWY. 37
LIBBY, MT 59923-8212

Overview

Big Creek Baldy Lookout sits atop its namesake mountain at an elevation of 5,780 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout has been used as an observation point for spotting forest fires for over 60 years.

The lookout is typically open from mid-June through late September. High clearance vehicles are recommended. This mountain hideaway offers some amenities, but guests should plan to pack in some of their own supplies. Cell service is available at the lookout.

Recreation

Hikers can find places to explore around the lookout, and the surrounding Libby Area offers more than 400 miles of summer use trails.

The lookout offers an ideal vantage point for star gazing on clear nights.

Facilities

The lookout stands 52 feet tall and has a 225 square foot cabin, which is encircled by a catwalk. It sleeps four and comes furnished with one double bed and one twin bed, both with mattresses. Other amenities include propane lights, a two-burner cooktop, table and chairs, heater, fire extinguisher, cleaning supplies and some cooking utensils. Propane is provided.

An outhouse with vault toilet is located near the tower. A campfire ring is located outside, but firewood is not provided.

Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring enough for drinking, cooking and washing.

Items such as cookware, bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

The lookout is located in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains and offers panoramic views of densely forested peaks. Lake Koocanusa and the Yaak River valley are prominent features of the landscape.

Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions (bear safety). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Pets allowed: all 1 sites
  • Largest party: 4 people

Directions

From Libby travel 1 mile north on Highway 37 to the Pipe Creek Road. Turn left and follow for 19 miles, then turn east (right) onto East Fork Pipe Creek Road/Big Creek Baldy Road 336. Proceed about three quarters of a mile and then turn right onto Big Creek Baldy Mountain Road 309. Follow this road for 5 miles to the lookout. The last mile is fairly rough but can be negotiated with vehicles having high ground clearance.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

19 reviews
5 stars
14
4 stars
4
2 stars
1
Douglas P
Loop:Area Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Renta
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
What a gorgeous location, even in Fall. In Spring the wildflowers would be everywhere. There is wildlife to be seen; birds, deer, squirrels. The views go on forever! There is a somewhat steep, 1 mile-ish hike going north along the ridge that is well worth taking (2 miles round trip). There is a longer hike going south along the ridge that is also beautiful, although we only walked a short piece of it. The lookout itself is a comfy place to spend a night or more. The last 1/2 mile of the drive in is quite rough, be prepared to take it slow and in 4-wheel drive.
Susan C
Loop:Area Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Renta
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
As with all lookouts, wonderful views. Great star gazing with very little light pollution. We were lucky to have 3 calm days (most lookouts are very windy). Take note, do not get this lookout confused with Mt Baldy Buckhorn like we did. lol. Nicely maintained. Love the propane stove (2 burner) and heater. The supply line is a wonderful amenity and made bringing up, then down our (voluminous gear). Bring good gloves to handle the rope tho. Double mattress and twin mattress, so if you have more than 3 people, bring camping pads. Lots of utensils, plates, dish soap, etc.. left behind. Screen shutters great to keep the many flies out. 4 wheel or front wheel drive best to navigate the last 1/2 miles. About 30 minutes from pavement (68) to the lookout. Gate and trap door code is the same. Went to Rainbow lake and Loon lakes, neither were good for swimming and even pooch got really muddy. Rainbow was at least picturesque. There was a well traveled path to lake, about 7 minutes to walk. But overall we would not go back to those lakes again. Overall, I would go back if I can get a reservation. Gets tougher each year with the popularity.
Kristina K
Loop:Area Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Renta
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
It is crazy to me that no one in the reviews has commented on the wind up there. Nearly every entry in the notebooks mentions the insane and constant winds but not any reviews. This lookout was amazing, great location, views forever, and really comfortable inside. Long drive but worth it. The last 1/2 mile or so, basically everything past the gate, is rough and steep. If you do not like heights or get motion sick from being in something that sways, this lookout is not for you.
Joseph S
Loop:Area Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Renta
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Good experience
Monica P
Loop:Area Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Renta
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Lock was cut/broke at gate with empty pack of cigarettes and one flip flop laying on the ground. Lots of used toilet paper littering the ground around the tower. I called the Forest Service number to report the lock but nobody answered and nobody called me back. I ended up not staying in the lookout as it didn’t feel safe.
Joshua D
Loop:Area Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Renta
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
The ransom fire started when we where there and witnessed it grow. Neat to experience that.
Availability

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

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Season dates

Peak season

Jun 28, 2027 – Sep 30, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jun 28, 2028 – Sep 30, 2028

Reservable online

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