Campground Details - THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER, MT - ReserveAmerica

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.

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.

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 equipped with beds with mattress pads that can sleep up to four people. 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, but 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 27 and Oct. 13. It is closed to the public during the remainder of the year. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) With Mattress Berry Picking Birding Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Electric Stove Heater	Hiking Microwave Parking Area Refrigerator Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

Water is not available at the facility
This facility is located in a remote area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety
The cabin remains locked; a week before your scheduled arrival, contact the Superior Ranger District during office hours to obtain a key code
All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out
Smoking and pets are prohibited at the lookout
Learn more about the Lolo National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
47.17833, -114.9075
47°10'42"N, 114°54'27"W

From Missoula, Montana, travel west on Interstate 90 for about 55 miles to exit 47 for Superior. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 250 and continue just over a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 320. Drive for about 3 miles and then turn right on 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.