MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Campground · Montana · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Kootenai National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1
Bookable site
up to 4
People per site
6,127 ft
Elevation
Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge Lookout
Photo: KNF · Recreation.gov

Overview

The Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout sits at an elevation of 6,529 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. This location has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1910. The current lookout tower was built in 1957.

The lookout is typically available from late June through late September, and is accessible by car, though high clearance vehicles are recommended for the primitive roads. Some creature comforts are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own amenities.

Recreation

Aside from exploring Mount Baldy, hikers can find a network of trails in the surrounding Yaak Area. The Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, located in the northwest corner of the Yaak Area, offers a variety of hiking trails in beautiful settings.

Hunting is also possible nearby. Wild berries grow in the area, inviting berry pickers.

Facilities

This 144 square foot lookout cabin sits atop a 26-foot tower and is encircled by a catwalk. It can accommodate 4 people and comes equipped with 2 twin beds and 4 mattresses, a table, 2 chairs, broom and dustpan. Propane appliances are provided that include a cook stove, heater and lights. An outhouse with vault toilet islocated nearby.

The lookout does not have electricity or water. Guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Items such as cooking gear, bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not available.
Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

The lookout offers views of the Kaniksu National Forest in Idaho, the Cabinet Mountain Range and Rock Candy Mountain. The panorama features endless mountain peaks and evergreen forest. Guests have an ideal location for watching sunrises and sunsets, or for gazing out over the starry night skies.

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.

Nearby Attractions

Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive from the lookout off Yaak Highway 508. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.

The facts

  • 1 bookable site
  • Up to 4 people per site
  • Loops: MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE

Site types

  • 1 Cabin Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Pets allowed
  • Water hookups — not available
  • Sewer hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
001MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGECabin NonelectricPull ThroughGravelModerate—4 🐾

Getting there

From Troy Montana, follow Highway 2 West for 9.5 miles to Yaak Highway 508. Follow Yaak Highway 508 for 18 miles north to Meadow Creek Road 524. Follow Road 524 1 mile to junction with Road 745. Take road 745 approximately 4 miles to Baldy Mountain Lookout Road 591. Follow 591 for approximately 2 miles to Road 5954. Take Road 5954 to the lookout.

48.83611, -115.92917 · 48°50'10.0"N 115°55'45.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in4.84.05.43.94.03.91.81.52.64.36.05.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Can you reserve a site at MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge?
Yes, MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge have?
1 site.
Are pets allowed at MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge?
Yes, pets are allowed at MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge.
Does MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge have hookups?
No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge?
Campfires are allowed at MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near MT. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

Comments

Contact

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

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.