Double Arrow Lookout

Seeley Lake Ranger District, 3583 MT-HWY 83 N.
Seeley Lake, MT 59868

Overview

The Double Arrow Lookout offers guests a chance to see the Seeley valley and the adjacent Swan Mountains from a different and unique vantage point, high above the hillside. The tower contains a few modern amenities, including electricity, but allows guests to personalize their visits with their own supplies. A variety of recreational opportunities exist in the surrounding mountains, but the view is usually what attracts people to the tower.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy hunting and hiking. There are a variety of trails that lead from the lookout into the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Seeley Lake is located about 2 miles east of Double Arrow and is open to fishing, boating and other water-related recreation. It has a boat ramp, as well as a sandy beach with ample shade for visitors who just want to relax and enjoy the alpine setting.

Facilities

Double Arrow has an exterior stairway leading to a platform with a covered walkway all the way around the window-encased living quarters. The facility has electric lights, heat, a cook stove and a small refrigerator. An outdoor vault toilet is a short distance from the tower.

Two single platforms and two portable cots are provided, able to sleep up to four people. Camping and sleeping are not allowed in the area around and below the lookout. Cell phone service is available in the area.

Guests must furnish everything they need in the way of bedding, cooking and eating equipment and cleaning supplies. Guests will also need to bring their own food, towels, soap, garbage bags and toilet paper, among other supplies deemed necessary. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving.

The lookout can be accessed by vehicle, however, the steep dirt and gravel road requires high-clearance vehicles. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Natural Features

The lookout is a 14-by-14 structure atop a 20 foot tower. It was built in 1933 and staffed by Forest Service employees until the mid-'80s, when it was opened to the public for recreation purposes. The tower is now listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.

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

Nearby Attractions

The lookout is a short distance from the Clearwater River Canoe Trail, which offers a prime location to witness the area's spectacular birding, wildlife viewing and scenic views. The 3.5-mile trail can be completed in a couple hours and is done entirely on the water.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 20 ft
Largest party: 4 people

Directions

From the town of Seeley Lake, turn west on Riverview Drive halfway between MM 13 & 14. Drive straight on the paved road for 0.6 mile, where you will cross over the Clearwater River. Continue on the same road another 0.6 mile where the road will split, stay straight (do not go right). The road will narrow, become more rocky and rough. Proceed almost 1 mile where you will make a right turn. After another 0.2 mile, make another right turn. Go another 0.2 mile and turn right again on Forest Road 696. Continue 1 mile where you will come to the lookout gate. Proceed through the gate (using the gate combination number) and in 0.1 mile you will be at the lookout.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

16 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

1 stars

Jessica N

Loop:Double Arrow Lookout

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Reviewed 2 months ago

Loved our time here! Only one tough spot on the road, close to town and the lake.

Crystal H

Loop:Double Arrow Lookout

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Great stay, as expected! Wonderful weather and views! Had cell service so we could watch the World Cup games!

Earl P

Loop:Double Arrow Lookout

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Reviewed a year ago

We had a great time in the lookout. The weather failed to cooperate and we had cloudy skies, I had big plans for night sky photography... But the sunrise was stupendous.

Rick L

Loop:Double Arrow Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

I stayed over 4th of July weekend! Absolutely gorgeous lookout, very clean! Plenty of firewood and have to love a fridge, stove and lights!! It's like staying at the Hilton!! The views are magnificent and one of the best scenery I have seen. If you are hot, turn on the fan. If you are cold, turn on the heater. Best vault toilet ever! Very clean, well stocked, large! Plenty of trails to follow in the area, especially to Tupper's lake, and plenty of wildlife to be seen. Firepit with ring was awesome!! Sunsets, sunrise and stars incredible! Not to mention the fireworks view on the 4th! Only downside is you will get a ton of visitors!! I stopped counting at 50! A lot of groups and they over stayed their welcome. some tried to come inside the lookout even though I closed the hatch. I was sleeping and they were at the door trying to come in! Thank goodness there is a lock on the door!! Other than that it was great! You have electricity and cell service. The road up only has a short hill that is kind of tricky as it is eroded, steep and angled. But it is only about 50 feet. The entire road is a bit rocky and eroded, so I feel like a higher clearance vehicle is a good choice. Great stay minus the crowds!

brian m

Loop:Double Arrow Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

you are basically in a neighborhood with a house less than a tenth of a mile away, electromagnetic waves from 5G tower next to lookout causes nonstop headaches and nausea, views are mediocre, way too expensive for a totally lame experience, waste of time and money

Melinda K

Loop:Double Arrow Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Definitely high clearance access. Jeep was perfect! Would help to have arrow/sign on the final right turn. Lookout was excellent as always!

Availability

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

Reserve

Popularity: Busy