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Hornet Lookout
FSU.S. Forest Service — HUNGRY HORSE · Montana · Flathead National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Flathead National Forest |
| Location | HUNGRY HORSE · Montana · Flathead National Forest · 48.87778, -114.51167 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 cabin nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 1 sites Water hookups at 0 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | 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. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 406-387-3800 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
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. Facilities The two-story lookout sits at ground level. The ground level provides a living space for two guests and the second story is a small loft used solely for full views of the region. The lookout's rustic accommodations include a propane cook stove, propane lantern, two cots, a small wood stove for heat. A pit toilet is provided outside the lookout. Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required.
No water is available. Guests should pack their own bedding, water, first aid kit and food, among other necessities. Click here for more cabin details . 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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
4 mi straight-line · HUNGRY HORSE MontanaFSU.S. Forest ServiceWurtz Cabin
5 mi straight-line · HUNGRY HORSE MontanaFSU.S. Forest ServiceFord Cabin
6 mi straight-line · HUNGRY HORSE MontanaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSchnaus Cabin
8 mi straight-line · HUNGRY HORSE MontanaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBen Rover Cabin
13 mi straight-line · HUNGRY HORSE Montana
Trip Card — Hornet Lookout
HUNGRY HORSE · Montana · Flathead National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | HUNGRY HORSE · Montana · Flathead National Forest |
| Fees | 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… |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234341 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.