🧯 Great Northern Lookout
Flathead National Forest · Tally Lake Ranger District
Opens in ~2 months
🏛️ Historic structure 1963
🏔️ 8,705 ft
The highest rentable lookout in the Flathead. Views of Glacier National Park, Whitefish Range, and the Canadian Rockies on clear days. Snow possible any month.
Unknown access conditions today
Based on season, weather, wind, and snow. Scores update every 30 minutes.
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Access
🥾 Hike-in required
1.00 mi · 700 ft gain
🛣️ Access road
Forest Rd 589, 18 miles, last 4 miles very rough
📅 Season
July 15 – September 15
Road distance from town: ~18.0 mi unpaved
Booking
Short season due to elevation. Rarely available after March.
Booking window: 6 months rolling via recreation.gov
🎫 Reserve on recreation.gov →
PeakScout availability data may be delayed — always verify on recreation.gov before making plans.
Amenities & Gear
👥 Capacity:
Up to 2 people
🛏️ Beds:2 cots
🔥 Heating:Wood stove
🍳 Cooking:Propane stove (small)
💧 Water:None — bring all water
🚽 Privy:
Yes
📞 Phone:
None — satellite recommended
🏗️ Structure:L-4 cab on 41-foot steel tower (1963)
⚠️ Bring your own water unless a reliable source is confirmed with the ranger district. Most MT lookouts have no water or unreliable cisterns.
🐻 Wildlife
Grizzly bear habitat. Bear spray mandatory. Food must be stored in provided bear box at all times.
ℹ️ Notes
Elevation means temperature can drop 30°F below valley forecast. Always bring full winter gear. Short season.
⛑️ Before you go
✅ Check road conditions with the ranger district 24–48h before departure ·
✅ Carry bear spray and know how to use it ·
✅ Pack all water (no water at this site) ·
✅ Leave a trip plan with someone not going ·
✅ Bring a satellite communicator — no cell service at this location ·
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