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Lolo National Forest
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Rent a cabin or a lookout, backpack into a wilderness area, find a trail to hike or to ride your bike, horse, trail bike, or ATV. Take a scenic drive, birdwatch, kayak, waterski, winter ski, snowmobile and more. |
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Northern Region Sustainable Recreation, Heritage, Wilderness Strategy
The Northern Region's incredible wildland settings provide year-round, life enhancing recreation opportunities. Learn how we are anticipating, planning for, and embracing the future in recreation in our Strategy (pdf, 2.4 mb).
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River Point Lolo Campground (MT) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
River Point Campground on the West shore of Seeley Lake is bordered by the Clearwater River to the North. Beach-front day-use picnic sites and a roped swimming beach are just a short walk away from the 27 RV/Tent sites. This includes 5 sites with river-front access.
The 27 sites are available for reservation the Friday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Labor Day. Sites change to first come first serve free of charge the Tuesday after Labor Day until October 1st when the campground closes for the Season. Campground opens annually the Friday before Memorial Day.
River Point is a popular campground and day-use area that sees heavy use all season. The campground is well known for its sweeping views of the eastern shoreline, area peaks, and the old growth Western Larch trees that tower over the valley. The day-use area, open year-round free of charge, provides access to a diverse 4-season recreation area.
Recreation
• The campground is popular for swimming, fishing, biking, paddling, and boating. A portion of the of community trails network comes through the campground. The trails provide non-motorized access to town and nearby forest lands.
• The Clearwater Canoe Trailhead just North of Seeley Lake provides excellent flat water for viewing wildlife such as blue herons and river otters.
• The Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail on the East side of the valley offers an incredible day hike exploring recent burns, dense forests, and a large waterfall.
Facilities
These spacious RV/Tent sites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a paved parking stall for each unit. Drinking water and vault toilets are available throughout the campground. Campground hosts on site 24 hours a day
Natural Features
The campsites offer the chance to spend time with the old growth Western Larch trees. Many of these trees are over 500 years old and several feet in diameter. Just a short distance away is the Girard Grove home of a Western Larch tree over 1000 years old and more than seven feet in diameter known as “Gus”. The historic Camp Paxson can also be seen across the Clearwater River. Bald eagles and osprey dive for fish in the early morning and late evening.
Nearby Attractions
• Seeley Lake, Mt with boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. The town of Seeley Lake lies on the southeastern tip of the lake. A variety of recreation services are offered there, including boat, canoe, and kayak rentals as well as guide services and resorts. Services like gas, groceries, and lodging can also be found in town. Access to a variety of forests, sweeping views, mountain lakes, and rugged peaks can be discovered just a short drive up any of the nearby Forest Service roads.
• Glacier National Park is known for a variety of opportunities to explore alpine landscapes, active glaciers, and view unique wildlife. This park is a great day trip from Seeley Lake, Mt. Contact the park for current conditions.
• Missoula, Mt is one of Western Montana’s outdoor recreation hubs. A full-service city with 2 hospitals and an international airport. Great access to services, hotels, and outdoor activities.
Big Hole Lookout (MT) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Big Hole Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive 360 degree view of valleys and mountain ranges for miles and miles. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts, and is available for rent from June to early October each year.
2021 is the first year the lookout will be available to the public to rent. We are excited to offer this new, unique opportunity on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.
The lookout can be accessed on the Big Hole Lookout Trail by foot, horse or bicycle for 3 miles, one way, on a easy to moderate trail. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. From Plains, Montana plan on at least a 60 - 90 minute drive to the Big Hole Lookout Trailhead on a steep and winding road.
Recreation
Big Hole Lookout has an amazing 360 degree view of several mountain peaks and ranges. Various non-motorized trails link to the site allowing renters to hike, bike, or ride for several miles. The area is popular for wildlife viewing, star gazing, and enjoying the piece and quiet of the backcountry.
Facilities
The 14-by-14 structure is small, but can accommodate up to four people. There is a twin bed for with a mattress pad, two cots, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove. No other furnishings are provided. A rustic outhouse with a vault toilet is available about 200 feet from the lookout. Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own bedding and cots for additional sleeping options, cooking and eating equipment and fuel, cooking and eating utensils, flashlights, matches and toilet paper, among other necessities. There is no water available at the site, however, 3/4 mile downhill of the lookout is a spring with non-potable water. There is room plenty of room outside the tower for tents or stock animals. Guests should be prepared for cold and often wet or damp weather, even if the weather in the valley is warm and dry. Food, garbage and other waste needs to be put away at all times to avoid attracting bears. Firewood may be collected locally for the wood stove.
Natural Features
Big Hole Peak Lookout was built for what was originally the Cabinet National Forest in 1930. It is a ‘Grange Hall’ type lookout; 14 feet square with four courses of large logs atop a short talus foundation. This type of lookout predates the standard L-4 design, and due to the difficulty in its construction, is quite rare. In fact Big Hole Peak Lookout is one of only two remaining intact lookouts of this kind on the Lolo National Forest. It was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 for the Lookouts on the Lolo Project. The site has not been used for fire detection purposes since 1972.
The 2 million-acre 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 (learn more about bear safety). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.
Savenac East Cottage (MT) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Savenac East Cottage provides a well-equipped kitchen and sleeping quarters for a family or small group of four people at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service's largest and most beautiful nursery in the West. The cottage offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities.
Recreation
A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, are located around the cottage. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available to provide visitors with historical perspective.
The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 14 miles to the west at Taft Exit # 5, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound.
In the winter, trails in the area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 16 miles west, on Interstate 90.
Facilities
The cottage has two bedrooms, a modern bathroom and kitchen, a dining area, as well as a living room. It has one queen bed with mattress and two twin beds with mattresses that can sleep up to four people. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, a microwave, refrigerator and assorted cooking utensils and dishes for eating.
Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, and other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving and a variety of basic cleaning supplies and equipment are provided. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inspection before leaving the facility.
The cottage is available May to October, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. Guests to the facility are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
The cottage is a locked facility. A key code will be sent in the reservation confirmation email. The key code will unlock the lock box located in the entry way of the cottage. The lock box holds the key to the front door. Please return the key to the lock box before leaving the facility.
Natural Features
The cottage is one of four rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations that concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation.
The facilities are close to the Idaho border in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.
Nearby Attractions
Savenac is in Haugan, Montana with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac Compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Quartz Flat Campground (MT) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Quartz Flat Campground is located just off of Interstate 90, 45 minutes west of Missoula, Montana and 15 minutes east of Superior, Montana. The paved campground has three loops and 78 sites total. There is water, dump stations, vault and flush toilets, trash, picnic tables, fire rings, a short interpretative trail, and Camp Hosts. The campground sits above the Clark Fork River in the shade of pines trees. Be aware the campground receives alot of noise from Interstate 90 and passing trains.
Recreation
The campground is in close proximity to launch sites along the Clark Fork River, including the Alberton Gorge. The campground can accomodate large groups recreating on the river or in the National Forest. The Quartz Flat Campground is one of three full-service campgrounds located along Interstate 90 between Idaho and Missoula, Montana. It is the only campground that has reservable sites.
Facilities
Quartz Flat Campground has three paved loops. Each loop has vault toilets, potable water, a Camp Host, and trash services. Loop C and Loop G have dump stations and flush toilets. Non-campers must pay $10.00 to use the dump stations. Each site has a parking space, picnic table, and fire ring. There are 78 sites in total and 6 pull-through sites in Loop A for vehicles larger than 35 feet in length. Reserveable sites in Loop A and G are all the even numbered sites. Loop C reserveable sites a 1 through 12. All remaining site are first-come first-served.
Natural Features
The campground resides in the valley bottom surrounded by pine trees and the Clark Fork River to the north. The campground is flat and easily accessible from Interstate 90.
Nearby Attractions
Missoula is 50 miles to the east.
Superior is 10 miles to the west.
St. Regis is 25 miles to the west.
Route of the Hiawatha Trail is 53 miles to the west.
Lookout Ski Area / Idaho is 58 miles to the west.
Alberton Gorge is 11 miles to the east.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 822-4233.Sloway Campground (MT) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Sloway Campground is located off of Interstate 90, just 60 minutes west of Missoula, Montana and 15 minutes west of Superior, Montana. The paved campground has 27 sites total. There is water, vault toilets, trash services, picnic tables, fire rings, volleyball net, horseshoe pits, and Camp Hosts. The campground sits on the Clark Fork River in the shade of pines trees and has a primitive boat launch and an equestrian site. Be aware the campground receives a lot of noise from Interstate 90 and passing trains.
Recreation
The campground is in close proximity to launch sites along the Clark Fork River, including the Alberton Gorge. The campground can accommodate small to medium groups recreating on the river or in the National Forest. The Sloway Campground is one of three full-service campgrounds located along Interstate 90 between Idaho and Missoula, Montana.
Facilities
Sloway Campground is paved and has vault toilets, potable water, a Camp Host, and trash services. Each site has a parking space, picnic table, and fire ring. There are 27 sites in total with 12 pull-through sites for vehicles longer than 35 feet. Sites RV- 1 through RV- 5 and sites 3, 6, 8, and 9 are reservable. Sites 7, 15, and 20 are first-come, first-serve.
Natural Features
The campground resides in the valley bottom surrounded by pine trees and the Clark Fork River to the south. The campground is flat and easily accessible from Interstate 90.
Nearby Attractions
Missoula is 60 miles to the east.
Superior is 8 miles to the east.
St. Regis is 7 miles to the west.
Route of the Hiawatha Trail is 43 miles to the west.
Lookout Ski Area / Idaho is 48 miles to the west.
Alberton Gorge is 21 miles to the east.
Cabin City Campground (MT) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Cabin City Campground is located 2.5 miles off of Interstate 90, Exit 22 and is 30 minutes west of Superior, Montana. It is a wooded quiet site adjacent to 12 Mile Creek. The paved campground has 24 sites total. There is water, vault toilets, trash services, picnic tables, fire rings, and Camp Hosts. A short interpretative trail is on site.
Recreation
Cabin City Campground is located 20 miles from the Hiawatha Bike Trail. The St Regis River and 12 mile Creek provide good areas to fish and nature watch. The Cabin City Campground is one of three full-service campgrounds located along Interstate 90 between Idaho and Missoula, Montana.
Facilities
Cabin City Campground is paved and has vault toilets, potable water, a Camp Host, and trash services. Each site has a parking space, picnic table, and fire ring. There are 24 sites total with 12 located in Loop A and 12 located in Loop B. All the even numbered sites are reservable. All the odd numbered sites are first-come, first-serve.
Natural Features
The campground is at 3200 feet in elevation and is surrounded by trees and 12 Mile Creek runs adjacent to it. The campground is fairly flat and easily accessible from Interstate 90.
Nearby Attractions
Missoula is 65 miles to the east.
Superior is 30 miles to the east.
St. Regis is 15 miles to the east.
Route of the Hiawatha Trail is 30 miles to the west.
Lookout Ski Area / Idaho is 40 miles to the west.
Alberton Gorge is 45 miles to the east.
LAKE INEZ POINT 6 (GROUP CAMP SITE) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Lake Inez Campground Group Site is in a beautiful part of the Lake Seeley Ranger District of Montana's Lolo National Forest. Located next to a beautiful mountain lake, the campsite is a popular place for visitors to enjoy a variety of water-related recreation opportunities.Recreation
Lake Inez is a popular spot for boating, jet skiing and fishing; however, the available boat ramp is primitive and not paved. Non-motorized boating and swimming are also available and usually done away from high traffic watercraft use. Anglers can expect to see a variety of fish, from salmon to suckers, to pike, trout and perch. The campground is a short distance from the Clearwater River Canoe Trail, which offers prime birding and wildlife viewing opportunities in a scenic setting. The water trail is popular with canoeists and kayakers as it stretches 3.5 miles, or a couple of hours, down the river.Facilities
The group site is the only campsite available for reservations at the campground. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets are provided, however drinking water and trash collection are not provided.Natural Features
The small campground sits along the eastern shore of 314-acre Lake Inez. A dense conifer forest limits the visibility of the lake, but affords privacy between campsites. Plentiful shrubs and undergrowth give the 4,100-foot elevation campground beautiful colors during the fall.Nearby Attractions
Seeley Lake, Montana, is the closest town and is about a 10-minute drive from the campground. A variety of services are offered there.Lakeside Lolo Campground (MT) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Lakeside Campground is located at the south end of Lake Alva, in Montana's Lolo National Forest. The campground offers a chance to camp and enjoy recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. The beautiful Mission Mountain Wilderness Area is 15 miles away.Recreation
Lake Alva is in a great spot for boating and fishing. Anglers will find a variety of freshwater fish, including Kokanee salmon, suckers, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species. A boat ramp is available at nearby Lake Alva Campground. Motorized boating is allowed with the "No-Wake" regulation. Many non-motorized boaters find solace during early/evening morning hours on the lake. Swimming is also a popular activity.Facilities
One large, accessible group campsite is available for reservations at Lakeside Campground. Individual sites are available for reservations. The group site can accommodate up to 25 people and up to four RVs and six vehicles.
These sites are equipped with tables and a campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided, but there is no drinking water available at the campground. Trash collection is not available. Lakeside Group is located on Lake Alva. Lake Alva is a NO-WAKE lake.
Natural Features
The campground is situated at the south end of Lake Alva, and offers shade and lake access. At an elevation of approximately 4,100 feet, temperatures are relatively cool on summer days.The lake is home to a loon population, and has protected nesting areas during May and June. The birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard in the campground.
Nearby Attractions
Seeley Lake is about 10 miles south of the campground, with boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. The town of Seeley Lake lies on the southeastern tip of the lake. A variety of services are offered there, including boat, canoe, kayak and row boat rentals.The Mission Mountain Wilderness Area is about 15 miles northwest of the campground. The area is popular for its scenic views and abundant wildlife. Active glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows and clear, icy streams, along with vertical cliffs and jagged peaks, make up the area.
DOUBLE ARROW LOOKOUT Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Double Arrow Lookout offers guests a chance to see the Seeley valley and the adjacent Swan Mountains from a different and unique vantage point, high above the hillside. The tower contains a few modern amenities, including electricity, but allows guests to personalize their visits with their own supplies. A variety of recreational opportunities exist in the surrounding mountains, but the view is usually what attracts people to the tower.Recreation
Visitors enjoy hunting and hiking. There are a variety of trails that lead from the lookout into the surrounding mountains and valleys.Seeley Lake is located about 2 miles east of Double Arrow and is open to fishing, boating and other water-related recreation. It has a boat ramp, as well as a sandy beach with ample shade for visitors who just want to relax and enjoy the alpine setting.
Facilities
Double Arrow has an exterior stairway leading to a platform with a covered walkway all the way around the window-encased living quarters. The facility has electric lights, heat, a cook stove and a small refrigerator. An outdoor vault toilet is a short distance from the tower.Two single beds and two portable cots are provided, able to sleep up to four people. Camping and sleeping are not allowed in the area around and below the lookout. Cell phone service is available in the area.
Guests must furnish everything they need in the way of bedding, cooking and eating equipment and cleaning supplies. Guests will also need to bring their own food, towels, soap, garbage bags and toilet paper, among other supplies deemed necessary. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving.
The lookout can be accessed by vehicle, however, the steep dirt and gravel road requires high-clearance vehicles. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
Natural Features
The lookout is a 14-by-14 structure atop a 20 foot tower. It was built in 1933 and staffed by Forest Service employees until the mid-80s, when it was opened to the public for recreation purposes. The tower is now listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.The forest contains a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife, and is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears (learn about bear safety). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.
Nearby Attractions
The lookout is a short distance from the Clearwater River Canoe Trail, which offers a prime location to witness the area's spectacular birding, wildlife viewing and scenic views. The 3.5-mile trail can be completed in a couple hours and is done entirely on the water.MORGAN-CASE HOMESTEAD Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Morgan-Case Homestead is a rustic log cabin situated on approximately 320 acres along Rock Creek. The cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance relating to early homesteading and ranching in Granite County and western Montana. It was an active work site from 1890 to 1951.In addition to being a great home base for big game hunters, the cabin provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including blue-ribbon trout fishing and trails that are open to hiking and horseback riding, as well as cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Recreation
The area surrounding the cabin offers both summer and winter recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The Sandstone/Wyman trailhead is located within a mile of the homestead, providing access to an extensive network of trails.Rock Creek is well known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities. Proper licenses are required to enjoy hunting and fishing in the state of Montana. The surrounding meadows provide great opportunities for wildlife viewing as well.
Facilities
The single-story log cabin is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to five people. The rental has two bedrooms, a living room, dining room and a kitchen. It is equipped with beds and mattresses, a table and chairs, counter and cupboard space, period furniture and an accessible outdoor vault toilet. Drinking water is not provided. It is recommended that you bring an adequate supply of your own water.The kitchen is outfitted with an electric range and oven, refrigerator and electric lights. In the winter the cabin is heated to 50 degrees with electric baseboard heaters. It is equipped with a wood stove for additional heat. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils cookware, utilities and other amenities may be available, but are not guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814.
Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, garbage bags, toilet paper and some cooking and eating utensils and equipment. Guests are responsible for cleaning the cabin prior to departure.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle, depending on conditions. During the winter, travelers may have to hike, ski or snowshoe about a mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
Natural Features
The homestead is located in the rugged Sapphire Mountains at an elevation of 4,700 feet. The Missoula Ranger District began preservation work on the cabin in 2001, restoring its historic charm.The Sapphire Mountains contain large stands of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests and are home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears.
HOGBACK HOMESTEAD Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Hogback Homestead is a fully furnished log cabin that sits on approximately five acres along Hogback Creek in western Montana. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities as well as exceptional scenery.Recreation
This area offers spring, summer and fall recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The area is popular for big game hunting in designated areas. Visitors enjoy fishing nearby in Rock Creek, a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Access to the Hogback Ridge trailhead and an extensive network of trails is located at the entrance to the homestead site.Facilities
The two-story cabin has three bedrooms and can sleep up to eight people. The kitchen, living room/dining room, and a single bedroom with a double bed are located on the first floor. Two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two bunk beds, are located on the second floor. The first floor is wheelchair accessible.
The cabin is heated with a wood stove and is equipped with propane lights and a propane cook stove. The rental is outfitted with period furniture including a large bench-style dining table, kitchen table, chairs, couches and dressers. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814.
Water is available intermittently at the hand pump located behind the homestead. Potable water cannot be guaranteed,recommended you bring an adiquate supply of your own drinking water. An accessible vault toilet is also provided outside, behind the cabin.
Guests should bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding, pillows, towels, food, matches, flashlights, toilet paper and garbage bags are not provided. Guests are responsible for cleaning the cabin prior to their departure.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle. In the late fall and early spring, depending on weather conditions, guests may need to hike or ski up to a mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
Natural Features
The cabin is located near the scenic Hogback Creek, in the rugged Sapphire Mountains, at an elevation of 4,500 feet. It was built in 1917 as a permanent home. In the early 1990s the Missoula Ranger District, along with many dedicated volunteers, restored the Hogback Homestead to its original historic condition, providing renters an opportunity to experience the setting and lifestyle of the early 1900s.The Sapphire Mountains contain large stands of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests and are home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears.
BIG LARCH CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Big Larch Campground is located on the east shoreline of Seeley Lake. A great place to cool off on a hot day, it has a beach and a boat ramp, as well as ample shade for those who just want to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is a favorite of locals, with plenty of space for camping, picnicking and recreating on the water.Recreation
The campground is in a great spot for boating and fishing. Anglers cast for a variety of freshwater fish, including Kokanee salmon, bass, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. Water skiing is a popular activity.The Big Larch Nature Trail, a half-mile interpretive trail, begins in the campground and offers an educational look at the surrounding wilderness.
Facilities
Two group camping areas are available for reservation at Big Larch Campground. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.The group campsites can accommodate up to 25 people and about four tents each. Sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
The campground also offers a day-use picnic area that provides access to a swimming beach, boat ramp and boat trailer parking. The area is equipped with tables and campfire rings, as well as accessible vault toilets, trash collection and recycling bins. Drinking water is also provided.
Natural Features
The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest, including plenty of tall larch and pine trees. While there is ample space between sites, the lack of understory makes for minimal privacy. At an elevation of about 4,000 feet, temperatures are pleasant throughout most of the summer months.Nearby Attractions
The campground is a short distance from the Clearwater River Canoe Trail, which offers a prime location to witness the area's spectacular birding and wildlife viewing opportunities in a scenic setting. The water trail is popular with canoeists and kayakers as it stretches 3.5 miles, or a couple of hours, down the river.LAKE ALVA CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Lake Alva Campground is situated at the north end of Lake Alva in northwestern Montana. It offers visitors a chance to camp out and enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. This site is currently open for day-use only due to ongoing vegetation management activities in the campground. Overnight camping has been suspended until further notice.Recreation
Boating and fishing are popular on 298-acre Lake Alva. Anglers cast for a variety of freshwater fish, including Kokanee salmon, suckers, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species.A boat ramp is available at the campground and while motorized boating is allowed, many non-motorized boaters find solace during early morning hours on the lake. Canoes, kayaks and row boats are available for rent. Swimming is also a popular activity.
Lake Alva is a NO-WAKE lake.
Facilities
The only sites available for reservation at Lake Alva Campground are two group campsites. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.The group sites can accommodate up to 25 people each. Parking space is limited. Each site is equipped with oversized tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
The campground also offers a day-use picnic area with sites that overlook the beautiful mountain lake. It offers access to a swimming beach, boat ramp, boat trailer parking, trash collection and recycling bins. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are also provided.
The area is patrolled daily by the host and local law enforcement.
Natural Features
The campground lies on the north end of Lake Alva, amid a dense forest that offers ample shade. At an elevation of approximately 4,120 feet, temperatures are relatively cool on summer days.Plentiful wildlife viewing and birding opportunities exist in and around the campground. The lake is a loon nesting area during May and June, and the birds' mesmerizing calls can often be heard from the campground.
Nearby Attractions
Seeley Lake is about 10 miles from the campground, with boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and hiking. The town of Seeley Lake lies on the southeastern end of the lake.The beautiful Mission Mountain Wilderness is about an hour away. The area is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.
WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
West Fork Butte Lookout is an ideal place for guests to experience the mountains south of Missoula from a unique vantage point. The facility provides near-360-degree views of the surrounding area. It is equipped with basic supplies and provides guests a base camp location from which to explore the area.Access by vehicle is available for a relatively short time during the summer months and is variable during the spring and fall. If the gate at the bottom of Forest Road 37 is closed, guests may have to hike, ski or snowmobile roughly 7.5 miles to the facility. Please call the Missoula Ranger District to check gate status. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Hiking trails are available in the area. Visitors often bring cross-country skis or snowshoes for wintertime fun. Snowmobiles are often used to reach the lookout in the winter, and there is a system of groomed trails to explore nearby.Fishing is available in Lolo Creek.
Facilities
The lookout can sleep up to four people and is equipped with bunk beds and mattress pads. The lookout also has a table and chairs, a propane cook stove and lantern, as well as a wood stove for heat. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not always guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814. A vault toilet is provided.Guests should bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding and towels, propane fuel canisters, flashlights, matches, lighters, garbage bags, toilet paper and cleaning supplies are not supplied at the facility. Guests are responsible for cleaning the lookout prior to departure.
Natural Features
The 14-by-14' lookout is situated on a rocky knob with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Lolo Peak, the Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Creek drainage. The lookout is close to the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass.The surrounding forest is comprised primarily of lodgepole pine and larch. The area is home to elk, moose, deer and black bears.
UP UP LOOKOUT Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Up Up Lookout is 40 feet tall and perched on a beautiful rock pinnacle in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. It is close to the Idaho border, giving guests a bird's eye view of the entire area. The lookout is a fantastic place by which to view the St. Regis River drainage and the high alpine country.The tower can be accessed by vehicle. Children are discouraged, as the tower has an exterior open stairway. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
The Up Up Ridge Trail takes visitors into the spectacular Ward and Eagle peaks roadless area, where visitors will find several scenic alpine lakes and various points of exploration. The trail leads to other trails, which take hikers and mountain bikers to the 7,300-foot Eagle Peak, providing ample views of the surrounding area.Big game hunters often camp along the ridge. It is also a great place to see vibrantly colored fall leaves, beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, do some berry picking and even fishing. The area holds many scenic and recreational attractions. The trail leads all the way to the Idaho state line, near Ward Peak.
Facilities
THE LOOKOUT CAN SLEEP UP TO FOUR PEOPLE AND IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE TWIN BED AND MATTRESS PAD. IT IS RECOMMENED TO BRING ADDITIONAL COTS TO SLEEP ON. It has propane lights and a heater. There are no cooking facilities or refrigeration. A campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table are provided at the base of the tower, along with an outhouse with a pit toilet. Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as cooking equipment and fuel. Cots, bedding, towels, soap, cooking and eating utensils, matches, toilet paper and garbage bags are not provided. Guests will need to clean the facility prior to leaving.Natural Features
The wooden tower was built in the 1930s and used as a fire lookout for several years. It is situated between the main highway and the Idaho border, at an elevation of 5,900 feet. With the growing use of aircraft for fire detection, fewer lookouts have been staffed in recent years and many are converted to cabin rentals available to the public.The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, from mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, mountain lions and moose, to many varieties of smaller animals and birds. Wildlife viewing areas offer guests ample opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat.
SAVENAC BUNKHOUSE Campground
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Savenac Bunkhouse provides sleeping accommodations for large groups staying at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service's largest and most beautiful nurseries in the West. The bunkhouse can sleep up to 30 people and offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities.Recreation
A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, exist near the bunkhouse. A self-guided tour of the nursery is also available, giving visitors some background on the history of the site. The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound. In the winter, trails in the nearby area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90.Facilities
The two-story bunkhouse has four bedrooms with doors, each containing two twin beds and a dresser, and a large open area with several twin beds and bunkbeds on the first floor. Upstairs are multiple twin beds and bunkbeds in a large open space spanning the entire building. Every bed comes with a mattress. The bunkhouse has two bathrooms (one small and one large) with running water, flush toilets, sinks and showers. It can accommodate up to 30 people and is a sleeping facility only. Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, toilet paper, garbage bags and other necessities. Guests are required to clean the facility before leaving. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inpsection before leaving the facility. The bunkhouse is available from May 5 to October 15 each year, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests to the bunkhouse are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. The bunkhouse does not have kitchen or refrigeration facilities for food. Bunkhouse renters may not use the cookhouse unless they rent the cookhouse in addition to the bunkhouse.Natural Features
The bunkhouse is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations that concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation. The bunkhouse was originally a garage and has been converted to sleeping quarters. The facilities are close to the Idaho border, in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.Nearby Attractions
The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.THOMPSON PEAK LOOKOUT TOWER Campground
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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.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 EQUPPED WITH 1 TWIN-BED WITH A MATTRESS PAD AND SLEEPS UP TO FOUR PEOPLE. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO BRING COTS FOR ADDITIONAL SLEEPING OPTIONS. 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, however 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 20 and October 10. It is closed to the public during the remainder of the year. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.SAVENAC WEST COTTAGE Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Savenac West Cottage provides a well-equipped kitchen and sleeping quarters for a family or small group of four people at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service's largest and most beautiful nursery in the West. The cottage offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities.Recreation
A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, are located around the cottage. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available to provide visitors with historical perspective. The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound. In the winter, trails in the area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90.Facilities
The cottage has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and dining area, as well as a living room. It has one queen bed with mattress and two twin beds with mattresses that can sleep up to four people. The kitchen is equipped with an electric cook stove, a microwave, refrigerator and assorted cooking utensils and dishes for eating. The facility has running hot and cold water, flush toilets and a shower. Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, toilet paper and other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving and a variety of basic cleaning supplies and equipment are provided. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inspection before leaving the facilitiy. The cottage is available year-round, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle, however, in the winter four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Guests to the facility are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. The cottage is a locked facility. A key code will be sent in the reservation confirmation email. The key code will unlock the lock box located in the entry way of the cottage. The lock box holds the key to the front door. Please return the key to the lock box before leaving the facility.Natural Features
The cottage is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations that concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation. The cottage was originally a residence and was converted in the 1970s to a space for eating and food preparation. The facilities are close to the Idaho border in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.Nearby Attractions
The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.SAVENAC COOKHOUSE Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Savenac Cookhouse provides cooking and eating accommodations for large groups staying at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service's largest and most beautiful nurseries in the West. The cookhouse can seat up to 30 people and offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities. In addition, the cookhouse can sleep up to 9 people downstairs.Recreation
A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, exist near the cookhouse. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available at the site to give visitors a historical perspective. The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound. In the winter, trails in the nearby area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west on Interstate 90.Facilities
The cookhouse is equipped with a large kitchen including a commercial-grade vintage stove with grills, burners, and double ovens, a commercial diswasher, a walking refrigerator/freezer, two standard refrigerators, coffee pots, a microwave, and assorted cooking utensils, pots, pans, dishes and tableware for 25 to 30 people. The facility also has a dining area with tables and chairs that can seat 25 to 30 people, and a bathroom. Downstairs, the cookhouse has 9 twin beds with mattresses, mostly in one large room, two bathrooms with showers, and a few dressers. Guests will need to bring their own food and supplies as well as ice and any additional equipment that is needed. Guest will also need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, toilet paper, grabage bags, and other necessities. Guests are required to clean the facility before leaving. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inspection before leaving the facility. The cookhouse is available year-round, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests in the cookhouse are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring some of their own amenities. Additional sleeping quarters are available in the bunkhouse, but the bunkhouse must be rented in addition to the cookhouse.Natural Features
The cookhouse is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery, which was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service. Nursery operations concluded in 1969 and now the site is open to the public for recreation. The cookhouse was originally a residence and was converted in the 1970s to a space for eating and food preparation. The facilities are close to the Idaho border, in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.Nearby Attractions
The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.BEND GUARD STATION Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Bend Guard Station is located in a historic site within the Lolo National Forest of northwestern Montana. It is equipped with modern features, including a full-service kitchen and bathrooms, and provides guests with access to a variety of activities.The cabin sits within an open meadow surrounded by an evergreen forest, providing beautiful scenery during any season.
Recreation
The Bend area offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation experiences, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and berry picking. A variety of trails snake around the campground and through the forest, several of which are accessible near the cabin.The Thompson River is a short walk from the cabin. Anglers might see a variety of trout as well as mountain whitefish in the river.
Facilities
The two-story cabin has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen and a living area. Beds with mattresses can sleep up to 16 people. It has electric heaters, flush toilets, hot showers and a fully furnished kitchen, with modern appliances including a two electric stoves, a microwave, two refrigerators and two sinks with running hot and cold water. Basic cooking and eating utensils are also supplied. Guests will need to bring their own bedding, food, toilet paper and garbage bags. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving and basic cleaning equipment is provided. The cabin is available to rent year-round, except for the month of May, when it is reserved for administrative and educational uses. A key code will be provided after a reservation is made. The key code gives you access to the entry gate and a lock box, which holds the key to unlock the cabin. Please make sure to return the key to the lock box before leaving the facility.Natural Features
The 3,200-foot elevation site has multiple structures and has previously been used as a ranger station for the old Cabinet National Forest, which was divided by the Forest Service in 1954. The original log cabin is on-site and was constructed in 1911. While there are several buildings at Bend, the only one available for recreation rental use is the combined bunkhouse and cookhouse building. It was built in 1923 to house Forest Service work crews and rangers working in the area and was remodeled in 1984. The 2 million-acre 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. The cabin is accessible by vehicle, but requires high-clearance with tire chains during winter months. The roads leading to the cabin may not be plowed on a regular basis in the winter. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended. There is no cell phone service or a land line at Bend. The nearest cell phone service is a few miles away. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Nearby Attractions
Fishing and water sports are available at Thompson and McGregor Lakes, both of which are a 30-minute drive from the cabin.COUGAR PEAK LOOKOUT Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
The Cougar Peak Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive view of the river valley, the surrounding Cabinet Mountains and the opposing Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts, and is available for rent from June 20 to September 18 each year. The lookout can be accessed by vehicle, although late spring snow drifts may compromise parts of the road, requiring visitors to hike a short distance. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation
A variety of trails and points of exploration are accessible from the lookout. The Cougar Peak Trail follows the ridge below the lookout and travels towards Vermillion Pass to the northeast. The Clark Fork River is dammed twice within an hour drive of the lookout. The Noxon Rapids and the Cabinet Gorge dams create reservoirs that have become popular spots for boating and fishing for large and smallmouth bass, as well as northern pike.Facilities
The 14-by-14 structure is small, but can accommodate up to four people. There is a full bed for two with a mattress pad, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove. No other furnishings are provided. A rustic outhouse with a vault toilet is available about 200 feet from the lookout, at the parking area. Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own bedding and cots for additional sleeping options, cooking and eating equipment and fuel, cooking and eating utensils, flashlights, matches and toilet paper, among other necessities. There is no water available at the site. There is room for a small tent outside the tower. Guests should be prepared for cold and often wet or damp weather, even if the weather in the valley is warm and dry. Food, garbage and other waste needs to be put away at all times to avoid attracting bears. Firewood may be collected locally for the wood stove.Natural Features
The tower is situated in the Clark Fork River drainage, at an elevation of 6,694 feet, in the Cabinet Mountains of western Montana. It was built in 1952 to replace an existing, older structure dating back to the 1930s. The lookout was part of the old Cabinet National Forest, which was divided by the Forest Service in 1954 to become the Lolo National Forest.The 2 million-acre 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 (learn more about bear safety). Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.
PATTEE CANYON PICNIC AREA Campground
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The Pattee Canyon Picnic Area offers family picnic sites available for free, along with three group picnic sites available by reservation. The picnic area is open July 1 through Labor Day.Recreation
The Pattee Canyon Recreation Area is a popular spot for day hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding and picnicking. There are several trailheads in the area. Cross-country skiing is popular in the area during winter months.Facilities
The picnic area offers several individual- and group-sized picnic sites. The roads are paved and the group sites have trash collection receptacles and accessible vault toilets. Drinking water is not available at the picnic area. A host may be on-site during summer months.Natural Features
Set in a wooded canyon east of Missoula, at 4,100 feet, the picnic site is pleasantly shaded by large ponderosa pine trees.Nearby Attractions
Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is located four miles southeast of Missoula.MONTURE GUARD STATION CABIN Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Monture Guard Station sits in the Lolo National Forest in western Montana, offering excellent winter recreation for visitors.Recreation
Monture Guard Station offers modern amenities and furnishings just like home, but it also provides access to a variety of outdoor winter recreation opportunities that can only be enjoyed in a National Forest. A system of groomed trails surrounds the cabin and the nearby Seeley Lake, leaving lots of land for exploration.The area also offers plentiful opportunities for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Facilities
The two-story cabin is fully furnished and can accommodate up to eight people. Beds with mattresses are available on the second floor, while the first floor contains the kitchen, dining room and living room areas. A vault toilet outhouse is located approximately 75 yards northeast of the cabin.
The kitchen is equipped with a propane stove and oven, a small microwave, refrigerator and a variety of cooking and eating dishes and utensils, as well as pots and pans. There is a large table and ten chairs, as well as couches and other seating. The living space has electricity, rugs and wood floors throughout. Heat is provided by a propane heater. Propane fuel is provided.
Guests should bring their own bedding, towels, food, water, garbage bags, toilet paper and other necessities. Cleaning supplies and equipment are provided and guests will need to clean the cabin prior to leaving.
The cabin is only available in the winter and guests will need to hike, snowmobile or ski about a mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
