Can you reserve a site at Hornet Lookout?

Yes, Hornet Lookout is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Are pets allowed at Hornet Lookout?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hornet Lookout.

Are campfires allowed at Hornet Lookout?

Campfires are allowed at Hornet Lookout. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Hornet Lookout, Montana — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

Season: Mid-June — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
1 bookable site
Up to 2 people per site
Loops: AREA HORNET LOOKOUT

Site types

1 Cabin Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Hornet Lookout

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Access	Max rig	People
001	AREA HORNET LOOKOUT	Cabin Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Hike In	—	2	🐾

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. 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.

48.87778, -114.51167 · 48°52'40.0"N 114°30'42.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	5.6	4.2	4.8	3.8	4.0	4.4	1.9	1.6	2.7	4.7	6.1	5.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Hornet Lookout

Can you reserve a site at Hornet Lookout?: Yes, Hornet Lookout is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Hornet Lookout have?: 1 site.
Are pets allowed at Hornet Lookout?: Yes, pets are allowed at Hornet Lookout.
Are campfires allowed at Hornet Lookout?: Campfires are allowed at Hornet Lookout. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Hornet Lookout also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Hornet Lookout's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

For fee information, visit Recreation.gov

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Hornet Lookout

Ninko Cabin 4.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Wurtz Cabin 5.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ford Cabin 6.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Schnaus Cabin 7.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ben Rover Cabin 12.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Tuchuck Campground 5.1 mi · Campground
Wurtz Cabin 5.8 mi · Campground
Kintla Lake Campground 8.5 mi · Facility
Red Meadow Lake Campground 8.9 mi · Campground
Bowman Lake Campground 14.4 mi · Facility
Quartz Creek Campground 16.9 mi · Facility
Big Therriault Lake Campground 17.1 mi · Campground

Contact

Phone 406-387-3800
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Hornet Lookout