This is an open, sunny site in the canyon bottom along the river. There is a
forest nearby and fishing opportunities in the Thompson River.

<p>This is an open, sunny site in the canyon bottom along the river. There is a forest nearby and fishing opportunities in the Thompson River.</p>

Bird's eye view of the campground

Clark Memorial Campground

This campground is in a moist river bottom cedar forest (bring your bug
repellent in June and July). Adjacent Thompson River offers fishing
opportunities. Access for large vehicles can be challenging.

<p>This campground is in a moist river bottom cedar forest (bring your bug repellent in June and July). Adjacent Thompson River offers fishing opportunities. Access for large vehicles can be challenging.</p>

Copper King Campground

## Overview

The Big Hole Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time
Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive 360 degree view of
valleys and mountain ranges for miles and miles. The structure is small and is
not elevated like many other lookouts, and is available for rent from June to
early October each year.

2021 is the first year the lookout will be available to the public to rent. We
are excited to offer this new, unique opportunity on the Plains/Thompson Falls
Ranger District.

The lookout can be accessed on the Big Hole Lookout Trail by foot, horse or
bicycle for 3 miles, one way, on a easy to moderate trail. Guests are
responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring
several of their own amenities. From Plains, Montana plan on at least a 60 -
90 minute drive to the Big Hole Lookout Trailhead on a steep and winding road.

## Recreation

Big Hole Lookout has an amazing 360 degree view of several mountain peaks and
ranges. Various non-motorized trails link to the site allowing renters to
hike, bike, or ride for several miles. The area is popular for wildlife
viewing, star gazing, and enjoying the piece and quiet of the backcountry.

## Facilities

The 14-by-14 structure is small, but can accommodate up to four people. There
is a twin bed for with a mattress pad, two cots, a table with two chairs, and
a wood stove. No other furnishings are provided. A rustic outhouse with a
vault toilet is available about 200 feet from the lookout. Guests will need to
bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own
bedding and cots for additional sleeping options, cooking and eating equipment
and fuel, cooking and eating utensils, flashlights, matches and toilet paper,
among other necessities. There is no water available at the site, however, 3/4
mile downhill of the lookout is a spring with non-potable water. There is room
plenty of room outside the tower for tents or stock animals. Guests should be
prepared for cold and often wet or damp weather, even if the weather in the
valley is warm and dry. Food, garbage and other waste needs to be put away at
all times to avoid attracting bears. Firewood may be collected locally for the
wood stove.

## Natural Features

Big Hole Peak Lookout was built for what was originally the Cabinet National
Forest in 1930. It is a ‘Grange Hall’ type lookout; 14 feet square with four
courses of large logs atop a short talus foundation. This type of lookout
predates the standard L-4 design, and due to the difficulty in its
construction, is quite rare. In fact Big Hole Peak Lookout is one of only two
remaining intact lookouts of this kind on the Lolo National Forest. It was
determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 for
the Lookouts on the Lolo Project. The site has not been used for fire
detection purposes since 1972.

The 2 million-acre forest includes four wilderness areas and a wide variety of
trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep,
elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears (learn more about bear safety).
Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter
swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.

## Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Big Hole Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive 360 degree view of valleys and mountain ranges for miles and miles. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts, and is available for rent from June to early October each year.  </p>
<p>2021 is the first year the lookout will be available to the public to rent.  We are excited to offer this new, unique opportunity on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.</p>
<p>The lookout can be accessed on the Big Hole Lookout Trail by foot, horse or bicycle for 3 miles, one way, on a easy to moderate trail.  Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.  From Plains, Montana plan on at least a 60 - 90 minute drive to the Big Hole Lookout Trailhead on a steep and winding road.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Big Hole Lookout has an amazing 360 degree view of several mountain peaks and ranges.   Various non-motorized trails link to the site allowing renters to hike, bike, or ride for several miles.   The area is popular for wildlife viewing, star gazing, and enjoying the piece and quiet of the backcountry. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The 14-by-14 structure is small, but can accommodate up to four people. There is a twin bed for with a mattress pad, two cots, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove. No other furnishings are provided. A rustic outhouse with a vault toilet is available about 200 feet from the lookout. Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own bedding and cots for additional sleeping options, cooking and eating equipment and fuel, cooking and eating utensils, flashlights, matches and toilet paper, among other necessities. There is no water available at the site, however, 3/4 mile downhill of the lookout is a spring with non-potable water. There is room plenty of room outside the tower for tents or stock animals. Guests should be prepared for cold and often wet or damp weather, even if the weather in the valley is warm and dry. Food, garbage and other waste needs to be put away at all times to avoid attracting bears. Firewood may be collected locally for the wood stove.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Big Hole Peak Lookout was built for what was originally the Cabinet National Forest in 1930.  It is a ‘Grange Hall’ type lookout; 14 feet square with four courses of large logs atop a short talus foundation. This type of lookout predates the standard L-4 design, and due to the difficulty in its construction, is quite rare. In fact Big Hole Peak Lookout is one of only two remaining intact lookouts of this kind on the Lolo National Forest.  It was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 for the Lookouts on the Lolo Project. The site has not been used for fire detection purposes since 1972.</p>
<p>The 2 million-acre forest includes four wilderness areas and a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears (learn more about bear safety). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.

View of Big Hole Lookout and surrounding area.

Big Hole Lookout

A wood stove, a bed, and a beautiful view.

Big Hole Lookout Inside 2

Big Hole Lookout Inside

Big Hole Lookout with its shutters open during the summer.

Big Hole Lookout Up Close

Big Hole views 2.

Big Hole

Big Hole views

Big Hole fire pit.

Big Hole Lookout inside 3.

Big Hole Lookout inside 3

Big Hole Lookout 1

Big Hole views 3.

Big Hole Lookout (MT)

This site is forested and shady, and is located in a narrow canyon bottom
along a stream. A hiking trail is available nearby.

<p>This site is forested and shady, and is located in a narrow canyon bottom along a stream. A hiking trail is available nearby.</p>

Gold Rush Campground

## Overview

The Cougar Peak Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time
Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive view of the river
valley, the surrounding Cabinet Mountains and the opposing Coeur d'Alene
Mountains. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other
lookouts. The lookout can be accessed by vehicle, although late spring snow
drifts may compromise parts of the road, requiring visitors to hike a short
distance. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety,
and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

A variety of trails and points of exploration are accessible from the lookout.
The Cougar Peak Trail follows the ridge below the lookout and travels towards
Vermillion Pass to the northeast. The Clark Fork River is dammed twice within
an hour drive of the lookout. The Noxon Rapids and the Cabinet Gorge dams
create reservoirs that have become popular spots for boating and fishing for
large and smallmouth bass, as well as northern pike.

## Facilities

The 14-by-14 structure is small, but can accommodate up to four people. There
is a full bed for two with a mattress pad, a table with two chairs, and a wood
stove. No other furnishings are provided. A rustic outhouse with a vault
toilet is available about 200 feet from the lookout, at the parking area.
Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes,
as well as their own bedding and cots for additional sleeping options, cooking
and eating equipment and fuel, cooking and eating utensils, flashlights,
matches and toilet paper, among other necessities. There is no water available
at the site. There is room for a small tent outside the tower. Guests should
be prepared for cold and often wet or damp weather, even if the weather in the
valley is warm and dry. Food, garbage and other waste needs to be put away at
all times to avoid attracting bears. Firewood may be collected locally for the
wood stove.

## Natural Features

The tower is situated in the Clark Fork River drainage, at an elevation of
6,694 feet, in the Cabinet Mountains of western Montana. It was built in 1952
to replace an existing, older structure dating back to the 1930s. The lookout
was part of the old Cabinet National Forest, which was divided by the Forest
Service in 1954 to become the Lolo National Forest.  
  
The 2 million-acre forest includes four wilderness areas and a wide variety of
trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep,
elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears (learn more about bear safety).
Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter
swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.

## Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Cougar Peak Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive view of the river valley, the surrounding Cabinet Mountains and the opposing Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts. The lookout can be accessed by vehicle, although late spring snow drifts may compromise parts of the road, requiring visitors to hike a short distance. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
A variety of trails and points of exploration are accessible from the lookout. The Cougar Peak Trail follows the ridge below the lookout and travels towards Vermillion Pass to the northeast.
  
The Clark Fork River is dammed twice within an hour drive of the lookout. The Noxon Rapids and the Cabinet Gorge dams create reservoirs that have become popular spots for boating and fishing for large and smallmouth bass, as well as northern pike.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The 14-by-14 structure is small, but can accommodate up to four people. There is a full bed for two with a mattress pad, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove. No other furnishings are provided. A rustic outhouse with a vault toilet is available about 200 feet from the lookout, at the parking area.
  
Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own bedding and cots for additional sleeping options, cooking and eating equipment and fuel, cooking and eating utensils, flashlights, matches and toilet paper, among other necessities. There is no water available at the site. There is room for a small tent outside the tower.
  
Guests should be prepared for cold and often wet or damp weather, even if the weather in the valley is warm and dry. Food, garbage and other waste needs to be put away at all times to avoid attracting bears. Firewood may be collected locally for the wood stove.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The tower is situated in the Clark Fork River drainage, at an elevation of 6,694 feet, in the Cabinet Mountains of western Montana. It was built in 1952 to replace an existing, older structure dating back to the 1930s. The lookout was part of the old Cabinet National Forest, which was divided by the Forest Service in 1954 to become the Lolo National Forest.
<br/><br/>
The 2 million-acre forest includes four wilderness areas and a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears (<a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/safety/wildlife/bears/bearCountry.html" rel="nofollow">learn more about bear safety</a>). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.
<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.

View of Cougar Peak Lookout from the ground below.

Inside the Cougar Peak Lookout

COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT

Cougar Peak Lookout

This is an open, sunny site along a broad, meandering stream. Streamside
fishing opportunities available. Scenic.

<p>This is an open, sunny site along a broad, meandering stream. Streamside fishing opportunities available. Scenic.</p>

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

This is an open, sunny site with scattered trees on a flat bench above
Fishtrap Lake. Non-motorized boating and lake fishing permitted. A hiking
trail is available nearby.

Fish Your National Forests: Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout; Types
of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait.

<p>This is an open, sunny site with scattered trees on a flat bench above Fishtrap Lake. Non-motorized boating and lake fishing permitted. A hiking trail is available nearby.</p><p>Fish Your National Forests: Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait.</p>

Fishtrap Lake Campground

## Overview

Cabin City Campground is located 2.5 miles off of Interstate 90, Exit 22 and
is 30 minutes west of Superior, Montana. It is a wooded quiet site adjacent to
12 Mile Creek. The paved campground has 24 sites total. There is water, vault
toilets, trash services, picnic tables, fire rings, and Camp Hosts. A short
interpretative trail is on site.

## Recreation

Cabin City Campground is located 20 miles from the Hiawatha Bike Trail. The St
Regis River and 12 mile Creek provide good areas to fish and nature watch. The
Cabin City Campground is one of three full-service campgrounds located along
Interstate 90 between Idaho and Missoula, Montana.

## Facilities

Cabin City Campground is paved and has vault toilets, potable water, a Camp
Host, and trash services. Each site has a parking space, picnic table, and
fire ring. There are 24 sites total with 12 located in Loop A and 12 located
in Loop B. Sites 1 -6 are reservable. Sites 7-12 are first-come, first-serve.

## Natural Features

The campground is at 3200 feet in elevation and is surrounded by trees and 12
Mile Creek runs adjacent to it. The campground is fairly flat and easily
accessible from Interstate 90.

## Nearby Attractions

Missoula is 65 miles to the east.

Superior is 30 miles to the east.

St. Regis is 15 miles to the east.

Route of the Hiawatha Trail is 30 miles to the west.

Lookout Ski Area / Idaho is 40 miles to the west.

Alberton Gorge is 45 miles to the east.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Cabin City Campground is located 2.5 miles off of Interstate 90, Exit 22 and is 30 minutes west of Superior, Montana.  It is a wooded quiet site adjacent to 12 Mile Creek. The paved campground has 24 sites total. There is water, vault toilets, trash services, picnic tables, fire rings, and Camp Hosts.   A short interpretative trail is on site.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Cabin City Campground is located 20 miles from the Hiawatha Bike Trail.  The St Regis River and 12 mile Creek provide good areas to fish and nature watch.  The Cabin City Campground is one of three full-service campgrounds located along Interstate 90 between Idaho and Missoula, Montana.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Cabin City Campground is paved and has vault toilets, potable water, a Camp Host, and trash services.  Each site has a parking space, picnic table, and fire ring. There are 24 sites total with 12 located in Loop A and 12 located in Loop B.  Sites 1 -6 are reservable.  Sites 7-12 are first-come, first-serve.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground is at 3200 feet in elevation and is surrounded by trees and 12 Mile Creek runs adjacent to it.  The campground is fairly flat and easily accessible from Interstate 90.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Missoula is 65 miles to the east.</p>
<p>Superior is 30 miles to the east.</p>
<p>St. Regis is 15 miles to the east.</p>
<p>Route of the Hiawatha Trail is 30 miles to the west.</p>
<p>Lookout Ski Area / Idaho is 40 miles to the west.</p>
<p>Alberton Gorge is 45 miles  to the east.</p>

* $15.00 per night per site. $5.00 for extra vehicles not in tow.
  * Scan and Pay is available for all first come first served sites. The QR code is posted at the campground fee station. You must have the most recent recreation.gov mobile app. Cost is $15.00 per site with a $1.50 service fee. The mobile app will only allow you to pay for 1 night at a time.
  * Reservations can be made 3 days before arrival through recreation.gov 
  * Recreation.gov charges $15.00 per site with an $8.00 service fee.

Cabin City Primary Image

Loop A Site 5

Cabin City Campground image 2

Loop A Site 8

Group Fire Ring

Loop A Site 7

Loop A Site 3

Loop A Site 2

Bear Proof Food Storage

Loop B Site 3

Loop B Site 5

Loop B Site 4

Loop B Site 11

Loop A Site 1

Loop A Site 4

Loop B Site 6

Loop B Site 9

Loop A Site 12

Water Spigot

Loop B Site 8

Cabin City Campground

Bear Proof Trash Containers

Loop B Site 1

Loop A Site 9

Loop B Site 10

Loop B Site 2

Vault Toilet

Loop B Site 12

Loop A Site 10

Loop B Site 7

Loop A Site 11

Loop A Site 6

Cabin City Campground (MT)

Cabin City Campground will be closed for the 2026 summer season due to
extensive storm damage. Please contact Superior Ranger District at
406-822-4233 mid-summer for an update.

Clark Memorial Campground

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