Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Star4.17
25 reviews
Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

4,977 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 20 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for reserving this lookout is $55 during the peak season (May 20 - September 30). Reservation fees and taxes may apply. Discounts...
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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
406-295-4693
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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 25 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacywell-maintained

Some mention

small

"The Yaak Mountain Lookout is praised for its breathtaking views, privacy, and unique lodging experience. Many users highlighted the excellent use of propane utilities and the overall serenity of the location. Common concerns included logging activity nearby, steep stairs, and the heavy trapdoor on the catwalk."

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Campground Map

Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2

Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2

Driving directionsFrom Troy, Montana, follow Highway 2 west for 3 miles to the East Side Road 176. Follow the East Side Road 176 for 2 miles north to the Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394. Follow Kilbrennen Lake Road 2394 approximately 2 miles to the Yaak Mountain Road 4407. You will find a gate on this road and need the combination code to enter. Keep gate locked after entry. Follow Road 4407 to the Yaak Mountain Lookout. Total distance from Highway 2 to the lookout gate is 4.15 miles, then 5.3 miles from the gate to the lookout.
Access is available via primitive roads, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The road may have big rocks, and weather conditions can affect accessibility. Logging trucks have been reported in the area, creating challenges for navigation.
Nearby places
Troy (approx. 33 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be obtained in Troy, MT, approximately 33 minutes away. Groceries, fuel, and other camping essentials are available there.

Best Time to Camp at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

September arrives like a gift at Yaak Mountain, painting the sky in crystalline blues and ripening the huckleberries that dot the surrounding slopes. These golden days of late summer offer perfect conditions for lookout living, though mountain weather writes its own rules. Dramatic storms can sweep across the peaks, bringing rain, snow, and winds that remind visitors of nature's untamed spirit. Each weather pattern transforms the lookout experience—from sun-drenched mornings perfect for wildlife spotting to misty afternoons when clouds drift through your windows like curious guests.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Open and popular May 20–Sept 30; summer offers favorable weather and ripe huckleberries.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

September praised for clear skies and color; site remains open into late September.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Limited spring access (opens May 20); lingering snow/conditions can restrict use early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed October through May; winter access and conditions make stays impractical.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 20 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 20 - September 30. Reservable start dates: June 24. Closed season: October through May.
  • Current Alerts: Logging activity reported in the area, creating navigation challenges and noise disturbances.

About Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Perched high above the wilderness at 4,977 feet, Yaak Mountain Lookout invites you to step into the shoes of a forest guardian. This authentic fire lookout, standing watch since 1958, transforms adventurous souls into temporary keepers of the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Here, where eagles soar at eye level and the world unfolds in panoramic splendor, you'll discover a rustic sanctuary far removed from modern distractions. This isn't just accommodation—it's your private observatory to witness nature's grand theater unfold across endless valleys and peaks.
Yaak Mountain Lookout is a cabin rental facility situated atop a 45-foot tower. It is designed for guests seeking privacy and a rustic experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 5 nights during a visit. Maximum Stay: 15 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to the Yaak Mountain Lookout can partake in hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other nature-focused activities. The lookout's setting offers stunning views, while nearby streams and rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities for trout species. 'Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in the Kootenai River,' according to official sources.
HikingYaak Mountain Road is suitable for hiking and non-motorized use. It provides scenic views and access to remnants of historical structures. One reviewer mentioned enjoying the steep trails and the workout from climbing the stairs of the lookout tower: 'There are 55 steps to the top of the lookout, which is a pretty good workout.'
FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby rivers, including the Kootenai River and its tributaries, where anglers can catch rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout. 'We managed to catch rainbow trout in the Kootenai River,' stated one user.
Wildlife viewingThe Yaak Mountain Lookout provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Deer, elk, moose, black bears, and various bird species are among the animals commonly seen. 'Besides the two bears we saw, we also saw some deer, rabbits, hawks, and other birds,' mentioned one visitor.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep stairs, a heavy catwalk trapdoor, and frequent sightings of bears. The area is also prone to rapid weather changes and logging truck activity.
Active AlertsLogging activity reported in the area, creating navigation challenges and noise disturbances.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental

Reviews

4.2
25 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Yaak Mountain Lookout is praised for its breathtaking views, privacy, and unique lodging experience. Many users highlighted the excellent use of propane utilities and the overall serenity of the location. Common concerns included logging activity nearby, steep stairs, and the heavy trapdoor on the catwalk.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciated the views, tranquility, and privacy offered by the lookout. 'Gorgeous views, turkey buzzards soaring by on thermals,' said one reviewer. Others enjoyed the huckleberry...
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Users often mentioned logging activity near the site, which caused noise and safety concerns. The steep stairs to the lookout and heavy trapdoor on the catwalk were frequently noted as challenges....
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are advised to bring essential gear, including cleaning supplies, drinking water, and sturdy items to transport via the pulley system. 'If we go back, we'll be bringing duffle bags, coolers...
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Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular for visiting due to favorable weather conditions and ripe huckleberries. Winter months may render the lookout inaccessible due to snow and harsh conditions.
Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Currently $45 a night to stay here, and it is worth every penny.' 2. 'What a beautiful spot! The clouds blew through us, a storm rolled through, and it was perfect.' 3. '56 steps to the top. The...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is the sole accommodation at this facility and is consistently praised for its views and privacy. However, users noted issues with the heater and trapdoor.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to steep stairs and a heavy trapdoor. 'The stairs are very steep, and the trapdoor is heavy, which might pose challenges for individuals with disabilities,' remarked one...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are absent from the available data.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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