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>

Bird's eye view of the campground

Fishtrap Lake Campground

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

## Overview

The Bend Guard Station is located in a historic site within the Lolo National
Forest of northwestern Montana. It is equipped with modern features, including
a full-service kitchen and bathrooms, and provides guests with access to a
variety of activities.  
  
The cabin sits within an open meadow surrounded by an evergreen forest,
providing beautiful scenery during any season.

## Recreation

The Bend area offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation
experiences, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, cross country skiing,
snowshoeing and berry picking. A variety of trails snake around the campground
and through the forest, several of which are accessible near the cabin.  
  
The Thompson River is a short walk from the cabin. Anglers might see a variety
of trout as well as mountain whitefish in the river.

## Facilities

The two-story cabin has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen and a
living area. Beds with mattresses can sleep up to 16 people. It has electric
heaters, flush toilets, hot showers and a fully furnished kitchen, with modern
appliances including a two electric stoves, a microwave, two refrigerators and
two sinks with running hot and cold water. Basic cooking and eating utensils
are also supplied.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, food, toilet paper and garbage
bags. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving and basic cleaning
equipment is provided.

A horse corral is also located on the property. A frost-free water hydrant
also services the corral area.

The cabin is available to rent year-round, except for a week in the month of
May, when it is reserved for administrative and educational uses. A key code
will be provided after a reservation is made. The key code gives you access to
the entry gate and a lock box, which holds the key to unlock the cabin. Please
make sure to return the key to the lock box before leaving the facility.

## Natural Features

The 3,200-foot elevation site has multiple structures and has previously been
used as a ranger station for the old Cabinet National Forest, which was
divided by the Forest Service in 1954. The original log cabin is on-site and
was constructed in 1911. While there are several buildings at Bend, the only
one available for recreation rental use is the combined bunkhouse and
cookhouse building. It was built in 1923 to house Forest Service work crews
and rangers working in the area and was remodeled in 1984. 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. Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the
forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of duck. The
cabin is accessible by vehicle, but requires high-clearance with tire chains
during winter months. The roads leading to the cabin may not be plowed on a
regular basis in the winter. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended. There is
no cell phone service or a land line at Bend. The nearest cell phone service
is a few miles away. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements
and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Contact Info

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

## Nearby Attractions

Fishing and water sports are available at Thompson and McGregor Lakes, both of
which are a 30-minute drive from the cabin.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The Bend Guard Station is located in a historic site within the Lolo National Forest of northwestern Montana. It is equipped with modern features, including a full-service kitchen and bathrooms, and provides guests with access to a variety of activities. 
<br/><br/>
The cabin sits within an open meadow surrounded by an evergreen forest, providing beautiful scenery during any season.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Bend area offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation experiences, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and berry picking. A variety of trails snake around the campground and through the forest, several of which are accessible near the cabin.
<br/><br/>
The Thompson River is a short walk from the cabin. Anglers might see a variety of trout as well as mountain whitefish in the river.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The two-story cabin has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen and a living area. Beds with mattresses can sleep up to 16 people. It has electric heaters, flush toilets, hot showers and a fully furnished kitchen, with modern appliances including a two electric stoves, a microwave, two refrigerators and two sinks with running hot and cold water. Basic cooking and eating utensils are also supplied. </p><p>Guests will need to bring their own bedding, food, toilet paper and garbage bags. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving and basic cleaning equipment is provided. </p><p>A horse corral is also located on the property. A frost-free water hydrant also services the corral area.</p><p>The cabin is available to rent year-round, except for a week in the month of May, when it is reserved for administrative and educational uses. A key code will be provided after a reservation is made. The key code gives you access to the entry gate and a lock box, which holds the key to unlock the cabin. Please make sure to return the key to the lock box before leaving the facility.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
The 3,200-foot elevation site has multiple structures and has previously been used as a ranger station for the old Cabinet National Forest, which was divided by the Forest Service in 1954. The original log cabin is on-site and was constructed in 1911. 
  
While there are several buildings at Bend, the only one available for recreation rental use is the combined bunkhouse and cookhouse building. It was built in 1923 to house Forest Service work crews and rangers working in the area and was remodeled in 1984.
  
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. Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of duck.
  
The cabin is accessible by vehicle, but requires high-clearance with tire chains during winter months. The roads leading to the cabin may not be plowed on a regular basis in the winter.  Four-wheel drive is highly recommended. There is no cell phone service or a land line at Bend.  The nearest cell phone service is a few miles away.  Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Fishing and water sports are available at Thompson and McGregor Lakes, both of which are a 30-minute drive from the cabin.

Starting January 1, 2021 fees will be changing from $45 to $90 per night.

The back porch of the Cookhouse at Bend Guard Station.

Bend Guard Station Cookhouse

Living room and seating area.

2021 kitchen remodel project completed!

View of the back porch of the bunkhouse/cookhouse.

BEND GUARD STATION

Kitchen and eating area.

Entrance to Cookhouse upstairs and downstairs (separate entrances).  Stairs only.

Bend Guard Station Cookhouse Front Entrance

Bend Guard Station

## 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 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>

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.

Fishtrap Lake Campground

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Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground

Bend Guard Station

Cougar Peak Lookout

Clark Memorial Campground

Copper King Campground

Big Hole Lookout (MT)