Cougar Peak Lookout

Cougar Peak Lookout is situated approximately10 miles northwest of Thompson Falls, Montana. At an elevation of 6694 feet, it provides an impressive view of the Bitterroot Mountains and the gorgeous river valley below. The lookout was manned during the summer fire seasons until 1979 when its function was taken over by aerial observers. The lookout still receives intermittent use for fire detection during high fire danger periods.

Available for nightly rentals, the 14' x 14' lookout structure can accommodate two to four people. There is a single bed, a table, two chairs and a wood stove. Plan to provide your own gas stove for cooking, eating and washing utensils, as well as bathroom tissue, blankets & pillows, & plenty of water. There is no water available at the site. Firewood may be collected locally for the heating stove. A rustic outhouse sits approximately 200 feet from the lookout at the upper parking spot. Cougar Peak is often exposed to extreme weather. Visitors should prepare for cold or damp weather even if the weather below is warm and dry.

Rental Information: $30.00 per day, available July 1 through Sept. 15.
For more info, call 406-826-3821, or visit http://www.recreation.gov

Directions to Cougar Peak from Thompson Falls, Montana:
From Main St. in Thompson Falls, take Hwy 200 west for approximately one mile. Turn right on Blue Slide Rd just before the Clark Fork River. Go about eight miles to the Cougar Peak turnoff, (FS Road 403). Turn right and follow for about 14.3 miles to the lookout. You will encounter two gates on the way up. The first is about two miles after turning onto Road 403. This gate is open for vehicular traffic from 5/15 to 10/15. The upper gate is about a mile below the lookout and is closed year round. There are parking areas before the end of the road, as well as at the end of the road. The walk to the lookout is about 150 feet.

Please enjoy the photos, all taken near the top of Cougar Peak. You may click on any photo to see a larger version.