Cabins · USDA Forest Service · Montana
Cabins at Mission Lookout
USDA Forest Service · Montana, United States
- Sleeps
- 4
- Elevation
- 3,783 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Nearest town
- BIGFORK
- Address
- 200 RANGER STATION ROAD, BIGFORK, MT, 59911
- Phone
- 406-837-7500
About
Overview
Mission Lookout towers above the forest canopy, providing guests with unrivaled 360-degree views of the beautiful Swan Range, Mission Mountains and Swan Lake. The site served for 75 years as a fire detection tower, and the current lookout has been around since its construction in 1959.
The tower can be accessed by vehicle. A parking area is adjacent to the facility. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Will sleep up to 4 people. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED in the Lookout.
Recreation
Along with the spectacular scenery, the immediate area offers visitors an unlimited array of outdoor activities ranging from fishing and swimming at the nearby Swan Lake, to watching migratory waterfowl at the wildlife viewing area.
Hunting is also popular not far from the lookout. Shooting within 150 yards of the Lookout or from/across roads is prohibited.
A variety of hiking and mountain biking trails can be found in the area.
Facilities
The 15-by-15 facility sits atop a 40-foot tower. It is equipped with a built-in double bed and two folding cots, to accommodate up to four adults. The lookout also has a propane cooking stove, simple cooking utensils and a table with four chairs. A modern vault toilet, picnic area and fire ring are located at the base of the tower.
No water or electricity is available. Guests should bring plenty of water, bedding, food, firewood, toiletries and a non-open flame light source, such as a battery-powered lantern, as candles are not allowed within the cabin. href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=67022&actid=101">Click here for more cabin details.
Natural Features
At an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet, the cabin affords views of Flathead National Forest, including the Mission Mountains and Swan Lake.
A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Swan Lake, about 15 minutes away, has a general store with limited groceries and a restaurant.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33° | 25° | -8° | 41° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 31° | 21° | -12° | 47° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 41° | 26° | 4° | 56° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 45° | 31° | 10° | 67° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 56° | 38° | 30° | 79° | 3 of 11 |
| June | 67° | 47° | 35° | 83° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 81° | 57° | 46° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 80° | 60° | 47° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 68° | 53° | 41° | 83° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 53° | 38° | 29° | 70° | 3 of 10 |
| November | 40° | 30° | 11° | 58° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 34° | 27° | 1° | 46° | 9 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Campgrounds nearby
- Mission Lookout · USDA Forest Service · 0 mi · 1 sites
- Swan Guard Station · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 1 sites
- Swan Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 43 sites
- Yellow Bay State Park · Montana State Parks · 7 mi · 5 sites
- Blue Bay Campground · Tribal Lands · 9 mi · 22 sites
Other cabins nearby
- Swan Guard Station · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi
- Finley Point State Park · Montana State Parks · 14 mi
- Anna Creek Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 19 mi
- Big Arm State Park · Montana State Parks · 21 mi
- Old Condon Ranger Station · USDA Forest Service · 22 mi
All public cabins and yurts in Montana · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2025-12-04. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.