Hornet Lookout

Star4.90
18 reviews
10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

6,744 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Glacier View Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Hornet Lookout
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The rental fee is $40 per night, and Federal Pass discounts do not apply. Reservations can be made one to 180 days in advance. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-387-3800
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What Campers Say

4.90

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"Hornet Lookout receives highly positive reviews for its stunning views, rustic facilities, and remote yet accessible location. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained cabin and the unique experience it offers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Hornet Lookout

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340

Driving directionsFrom Columbia Falls, take Nucleus Avenue north through Columbia Falls and turn east on Railroad Street. At the stop sign, the road becomes the North Fork Road. Continue on North Fork Road for about 45 miles and over the railroad overpass. Turn left (west) on Whale Creek Road 318 and drive 4 miles, then turn right on the narrow Hornet Road 9805 and go 5.2 miles to the trailhead of Hornet Trail 349. Hike about a mile to the lookout.
The road leading to Hornet Lookout is narrow with few pullouts, and visitors are advised to exercise caution. According to user reviews, AWD vehicles with good ground clearance are recommended for accessing the trailhead, especially during snowy conditions. In early to mid-summer, snow may prevent driving to the trailhead, requiring an extra hike.
Nearby places
Columbia Falls (approximately 45 miles, 1-hour drive), West Glacier (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Polebridge Mercantile is mentioned in user reviews as a nearby resource for food and supplies, including their notable huckleberry bear claws. Distance from the campground is unspecified.

Best Time to Camp at Hornet Lookout

Summer transforms Hornet Lookout into an alpine paradise, with wildflower meadows and crystal-clear mountain air creating perfect conditions for your elevated escape. While winter blankets the peak in snow and brings bone-chilling temperatures, hardy adventurers will find solitude under star-filled skies during the 24% of winter days that offer clear weather. Plan your visit between June and September when the access road sheds its snowy coat and the mountain truly comes alive with possibilities.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in MT

Summer is peak season: wildflower meadows, clear alpine views and ideal conditions described.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15 with seasonal shutters; fall offers good views but shortened season/weather risk.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season opens June 15; spring access and services are limited or closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed to reservations in winter; winter visits not supported by operating schedule.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open and reservable from June 15 to October 15 annually, with seasonal shutters installed in late September to early October.
  • Current Alerts: Refunds are not given for inclement weather or road conditions. Seasonal installation of shutters occurs late September to early October.

About Hornet Lookout

Step back in time at Hornet Lookout, where a historic 1922 fire tower awaits adventurous souls seeking an unforgettable mountain retreat. After a scenic one-mile hike through recovering wildlands, you'll discover this two-story sanctuary floating above the clouds at 6,744 feet. Wake to breathtaking 360-degree vistas stretching from the pristine waters of Kintla Lake to the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park. This rustic hideaway comes equipped with propane cooking facilities, lanterns, and comfortable cots, though you'll need to bring your own water and bedding for this authentic backcountry experience. The journey may test your legs, but the reward—sleeping where forest guardians once kept watch—is pure magic.
Hornet Lookout offers cabin-style accommodations accessible via a one-mile hike.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay: 3 consecutive nights, total of 7 days per calendar year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at Hornet Lookout can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake. "The views from Hornet are unmatched providing an almost spiritual experience," stated a reviewer.
HikingHiking trails are accessible from Hornet Lookout, including the one-mile hike to the facility. "The hike is moderate at worst and only about 900 feet with plenty of switchbacks to make it very manageable," according to a review.
BikingGravel roads and trails around the lookout are suitable for mountain biking.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife. "We came across a Griz scampering down the road on the way in," shared one visitor.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. Mice may be present in the cabin due to extended periods of unoccupancy. Road conditions are narrow and can be hazardous during snowstorms.
Active AlertsRefunds are not given for inclement weather or road conditions. Seasonal installation of shutters occurs late September to early October.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Hornet Lookout

Reviews

4.9
18 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Hornet Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Hornet Lookout receives highly positive reviews for its stunning views, rustic facilities, and remote yet accessible location. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained cabin and the unique experience it offers.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the lookout's unmatched views, well-equipped facilities, and peaceful environment. "Lovely views! The hike in was quick and the facility was well maintained," commented one user.
Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the outhouse's condition and the narrow, challenging road leading to the trailhead. "The outhouse had quite the lean to it and needs a bit of attention," one reviewer stated.
Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra water and preparing for the hike with a full load. "Bring more 2x water than you think you might need. Hike up seems steeper with a full two or three days' load on...
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Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors during winter and storms appreciated the cozy wood stove but noted limited visibility due to weather conditions. Summer reviews highlighted clear views and comfortable hikes.
Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Magical transcendence interrupted occasionally by overeager hikers. When it’s your mountain alone, there is nothing like it." — Dustin Finch. "The views from Hornet are unmatched providing an almost...
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 is repeatedly praised for its comfort and stunning views. "The lookout was awesome! Definitely recommend," noted Nicole F.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is limited, but the one-mile hike to the site is noted as moderate in difficulty.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, provided owners clean up after them. "Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required," confirmed the official source.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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