Thompson Peak Lookout Tower

Show on map406-822-4233
P.O. BOX 460
SUPERIOR, MT 59872

Overview

Thompson Peak Lookout provides great views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, the Idaho state line and, of course, the big sky of Montana. It is close enough to Superior to allow for easy access, but remote enough to provide the quiet and solitude expected at a lookout. The modernized tower provides amenities not typical to a lookout, making it a desirable place to stay.

Recreation

A variety of trails exist in the area, allowing visitors a chance to explore the surrounding forest. Wildlife spotting is also a popular activity. Most of all, visitors come to the tower to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Facilities

THE ONE-ROOM RENTAL CABIN IS EQUPPED WITH 1 TWIN-BED WITH A MATTRESS PAD AND SLEEPS UP TO FOUR PEOPLE. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO BRING COTS FOR ADDITIONAL SLEEPING OPTIONS. The facility has electricity and cell phone service, as well as an electric stove, heater, microwave and small refrigerator. Some basic eating and cooking utensils are supplied, as well as pots and pans, however drinking water is not available. An outhouse with a vault toilet is provided. Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as bedding, towels, soap, garbage bags and toilet paper. Guests will need to clean the cabin before leaving. Some basic cleaning equipment and supplies are provided. The facility can be accessed by vehicle on available dates between May 20 and October 10. It is closed to the public during the remainder of the year. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Natural Features

The lookout is located on the third floor of a multiple story building that is used as a radio and cellular tower. Equipment is located on other floors of the building. It is constructed out of concrete blocks with an enclosed stairway, making it more suitable for children.

The 2 million-acre Lolo National 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.

Contact Info

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

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Largest party: 4 people

Directions

From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior. Turn left at the stop sign. At the next stop sign turn left and proceed under the interstate. Turn left onto Diamond Match Road, towards the Exxon Gas Station, and continue just over a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 320. Drive for about 3 miles and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 miles to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District at 406-822-4233.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

35 reviews
5 stars
28
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
1 stars
1
Drake J
Loop:Area Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
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Reviewed 2 months ago
Cool lookout
Kilani K
Loop:Area Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
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Reviewed 3 months ago
Very well maintained facility, wonderful views. Kids had a great time exploring the woods and finding treasures. Made lots of memories!
Amber K
Loop:Area Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
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Reviewed 5 months ago
Great place! We've stayed at a lot of towers and this one is set up great! The fridge, sink and microwave are a bonus. Road up is one of the best I've seen, could drive a car up easy. Only one small bed was not ideal.
tessa p
Loop:Area Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
This was our first time staying at a fire lookout and we loved it! The roads were easy to drive with lots of signage to help navigate. The description of the tower is spot on and we had plenty of cell service.
James J
Loop:Area Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
This was a great stay for my brother and I. Unfortunately there was smoke from fires to the west that hindered the view. It was a very pleasant evening (a bit warm) and enjoyed the deck that went all around the tower. Cell phone coverage was great as the cell towers were right there. In fact when we got there there were workers doing something on the towers. They did not stay long. I read a previous review of taking a rope to take to haul supplies up from the ground to the third floor. That was excellent advice and will do that again. Cooking would be easy here as there is a cooktop and electricity. There is a full refrigerator on the second floor. The next day we hiked Oregon Lakes and were the only ones there. Great stay except for the smoke and a bit warm. Hope to do it again.
Austin P
Loop:Area Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
You’ll definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up the access road. It’s pretty smooth for the first 3/4, but the last 1/4 has some major potholes in the road. There are a few turn outs in case you pass a vehicle, but otherwise you have about a foot or two of margin on either side of the road. The tower itself is gorgeous. There’s a fire pit and outhouse outside. You’re on the third floor, so you go into the scary looking metal door and then all the way up. The first time you get a glimpse of the view your jaw will drop. 360 panoramic glass windows, a bed that gets kissed during the sunset, and plenty of cleaning and cooking supplies. Oh, and all the windows open and have screens, the cross breeze is fantastic. I was honestly surprised how well stocked it was. It has a modern microwave, a 2 burner electric stove, pots, pans, you name it. There’s a small collection of olive oil, salt and pepper, and coffee supplies, too. There are floorboard heaters for the colder nights. The only con is the entire tower is painted yellow. Do you know what color bugs like the most? Yellow. The windows, at least in late September, were always plastered with bugs and a few made it in. I brought a mosquito net for my head that helped during sleep. Another review mentioned the tower crew, we never saw them in 4 days. The AC for the tower is on, but it sounds like a propeller plane far in the distance, it’s literally white noise and not obtrusive in the slightest. This place was magical, I highly recommend going.
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Season dates

Peak season

May 7, 2027 – Oct 4, 2027

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