Established Camping
Meadow Peak Lookout (Mt) — Kootenai National Forest
Meadow Peak Lookout in Kootenai National Forest offers a camping experience surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during cooler months to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the scenic beauty of Glacier National Park and the recreational opportunities at Flathead Lake.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Kootenai National Forest
Overview
Meadow Peak Lookout sits atop its namesake mountain at an elevation of 6,710 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout has been used as an observation point for spotting forest fires for over 90 years.__ On July 13, 1948 J.K. Pomajevic wrote, "hiked up to Meadow Peak on Trail 46, about a 6 mile walk from road to lookout. At this point there is a cabin with a cupola on top. It is connected to Bend Ranger Station by telephone". This phone line would have been approximately 14 miles long. The first lookout was a cupola cabin built in 1928, the second lookout was built in 1936 it was a 15' L-4 style lookout and the the current lookout was built in 1957 as a 10' L-4 style for $6299. Leonard Sheffield was the contractor and had 3 Forest Service employees to help with the build. The lookout was last staffed in the 1990's and was placed on the National Historic Lookout Register in 2000. The lookout is typically open from mid-June through late September. High clearance 4 wheel drive vehicles with off-road tires are required. Access to this lookout is along mountain roads with sections of loose sharp rocks and small boulders.__ This mountain hideaway offers some amenities, but guests should plan to pack in most of their own supplies. Cell service is available at the lookout.
Recreation
Hikers can find places to explore around the lookout, and the surrounding Libby Area offers more than 400 miles of summer use trails. The lookout offers an ideal vantage point for star gazing on clear nights.
Facilities
Hikers can find places to explore around the lookout, and the surrounding Libby Area offers more than 400 miles of summer use trails. The lookout offers an ideal vantage point for star gazing on clear nights.
Natural Features
The lookout is located in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains and offers panoramic views of densely forested peaks, Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, Lower Thompson and McGregor Lakes. Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions (bear safety). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.
Location
Meadow Peak Lookout (Mt) — Kootenai National Forest is located in Montana
Directions
From Libby follow Highway 2 East for approximately 40 miles. Near mile post 80, take a left onto Meadow Peak Lookout Road 511. Follow road 511 for approximately 8.7 miles to the lookout. Road 511 is a gravel forest road that is STEEP, NARROW with SHARP ROCKS and LOOSE MATERIAL. A HIGH CLEARANCE 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AGGRESSIVE OFF-ROAD TIRES IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Road 511 is a gravel forest road that is STEEP, NARROW with SHARP ROCKS and LOOSE MATERIAL. A HIGH CLEARANCE 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AGGRESSIVE OFF-ROAD TIRES IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Refunds will not be given for inadequate vehicle choice.__ Be aware this mountain road will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour of travel to reach the lookout
Coordinates
48.079651 N
114.989079 W
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires