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Established Camping

Hornet Lookout

Hornet Lookout is located in the Flathead National Forest, featuring forested terrain with mountainous surroundings. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Nearby attractions include Glacier National Park and Hungry Horse Reservoir, offering opportunities for hiking and water activities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Flathead National Forest

Overview

Hornet Lookout provides guests with astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain, including Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake on clear days. On some nights, the Northern Lights may be seen from the lookout. Visitors also enjoy access to a variety of recreational activities. Access to the lookout requires a one-mile hike from the trailhead at the parking area. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Hiking and mountain biking on the gravel roads and trails are among the activities available in the area. Viewing wildlife is another rewarding pastime.

Natural Features

The scenic lookout is perched atop Hornet Peak, at an elevation of 6,744 feet. Nearby peaks include Wedge Mountain and Akinkoka Peak. The rustic lookout was built in 1922 and, in its prime, played an integral role for detecting forest fires in the North Fork area. A 2003 wildfire charred the surrounding area, but wildflowers and bear grass are making a comeback. Glacier View Ranger District is bordered on the east by the North Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park. To the north is Canada and west is the Montana's Kootenai National Forest.

Nearby Attractions

Glacier National Park and the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River are nearby.

Fee Info

Reservations can be made one to 180 days in advance. The rental fee is $40 per night and there is a maximum stay of three consecutive nights with a total of seven days per calendar year. Federal Pass discounts do not apply.

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Location

Hornet Lookout is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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.

Address

10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340
Hungry horse, MT 59919

Coordinates

48.8777778 N
114.5116667 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

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Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2018

Hornet Lookout - rustic and secluded

This retired Lookout offers views of Glacier Park, Canadian mountain ranges, and most of the Flathead National Forest - on a clear day. We spent one night in the Lookout early this summer. The hike is short but steep and very rewarding. Since it is in National Forest and not in the park, we were able to bring our dog, who had a great time chasing the two resident mule deer away from the site. There is no water available at the Lookout or by the trailhead; we filtered water from a small spring/creek that is about a half-mile from the trailhead. I’m not sure if that would be available later in the summer though.

The Lookout needs to be reserved and spots fill very quickly. The drive is fairly long but you can stop at the Polebridge bakery on the way - worth the drive in itself. Many precious guests have left small contributions to the cabin, and I would suggest doing the same to keep the tradition going. We left s’mores fixings and plenty of firewood.

Enjoy!

Month of VisitJune
  • Views from the top, albeit overcast.
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  • Review photo of Hornet Lookout by Evelyn M., July 6, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Hornet Lookout?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hornet Lookout, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Hornet Lookout?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Hornet Lookout. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Hornet Lookout, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Hornet Lookout?

    There are 1 campsites at Hornet Lookout and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts