Hornet Lookout
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.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Surface | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Back-in | Gravel | 2 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| 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. |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Hungry Horse, Montana |
| Coordinates | 48.8778° N, 114.5117° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 29.7 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters ↗ | 29.9 mi |
| RV sales & service | Bish's RV ↗ | 50.8 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miHornet Lookout0.9 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3.7 miAntley Tepee Creek ↗5.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3.7 miMoose Creek ↗5.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 4.1 miNinko-Thompson Seton ↗8.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 4.4 miCleft Rock ↗10.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 4.5 miMt. Hefty ↗8.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Hornet LookoutBuilding · Flathead National Forest · 0.1 mi
- North Fork RoadStructure · West Glacier · 8.5 mi
- Kintla Lake Ranger StationHistoric district · West Glacier · 8.7 mi
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.
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.
Nearby
Glacier National Park and the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River are nearby.
Guidebooks for Montana
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Hornet Lookout?
Sites at Hornet Lookout are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Hornet Lookout?
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.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Hornet Lookout?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Hornet Lookout have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Hornet Lookout?
Yes, pets are allowed at Hornet Lookout. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Hornet Lookout?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Hornet Lookout?
Hiking and mountain biking on the gravel roads and trails are among the activities available in the area. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Hornet Lookout?
Hungry Horse, Montana. Glacier National Park and the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River are nearby.
Source: Getting there
What if Hornet Lookout is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Tuchuck Campground (5.1 mi, first-come), Big Therriault Lake Campground (17.1 mi, first-come), and Grave Creek Campground (17.5 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby