Minton Peak Lookout
4.8618 reviews2693 MT Hwy 200, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA
Minton Peak Lookout
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly rate for the Minton Peak Lookout during peak season (June 23 - October 10) is $55. Additional fees apply for reservations ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in person). Late cancellations or changes incur additional fees.
About this campground
Perched high above the world at 5,351 feet, Minton Peak Lookout stands as a sentinel over the Rocky Mountains, offering adventurers a chance to step back in time while immersing themselves in breathtaking wilderness. This historic fire lookout, first erected in 1932 and lovingly restored in 2011, serves as your personal observatory where three mountain ranges converge in a spectacular display. From your eagle's nest among the evergreens, watch as morning mist dances through the Clark Fork Valley below while the jagged peaks of the Bitterroot and Cabinet ranges paint the horizon in shades of blue and granite.
Minton Peak Lookout provides a unique camping experience with its cabin accommodations.
Historical SignificanceEvery weathered board and restored beam at Minton Peak tells a story of frontier determination and mountain stewardship. The lookout honors Colonel David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who traded his military uniform for homesteader's dreams along the banks of Minton Creek below. Since its original construction in 1932, generations of fire watchers have called this aerie home, scanning the endless sea of green for telltale wisps of smoke. The 1968 rebuild and meticulous 2011 restoration have preserved this piece of living history, allowing modern adventurers to experience the solitude and purpose that defined the golden age of fire lookouts.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain air at Minton Peak brings refreshing temperatures and invigorating breezes that whisper through the surrounding pines. While the lookout's exposed position occasionally treats visitors to dramatic wind performances, the rewards are crystal-clear skies and air so pure it seems to sparkle. Plan your escape between late June and October, when wildflowers carpet the meadows, golden larches herald autumn's arrival, and the weather invites you to linger on the deck with your morning coffee as the sun illuminates peak after distant peak.
ElevationAt 5,351 feet above sea level, Minton Peak Lookout places you in the sweet spot of Rocky Mountain elevation – high enough to escape the valleys' summer heat and witness weather systems rolling across the landscape, yet accessible enough for a memorable mountain adventure. This commanding height transforms you from forest visitor to mountain resident, where eagles soar at eye level and the curve of the Earth becomes visible on clear mornings.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a 360-degree theater of natural splendor, where an ocean of evergreen forest stretches endlessly in every direction, broken only by distant rocky summits that pierce the sky like ancient monuments. From your wraparound deck, witness the Clark Fork Valley's serpentine course through the landscape while the legendary Bitterroot and Cabinet ranges frame your view with their distinctive profiles. As one awestruck visitor perfectly captured: 'Just a TON of green with only the occasional stony peak in the distance' – a simple description that speaks to the overwhelming majesty of Montana's pristine wilderness stretching beyond every horizon.
Geological RegionMinton Peak Lookout crowns one of countless summits in the Kootenai National Forest, a 2.2-million-acre wilderness laboratory where the Rocky Mountains showcase their geological artistry. Here, ancient tectonic forces sculpted a landscape where three distinct mountain ranges – the Bitterroots, Cabinets, and Rockies proper – converge in dramatic fashion. The surrounding evergreen tapestry of Douglas fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine tells the story of forests that have clothed these slopes since the last ice age, creating the endless green vista that captivates every visitor fortunate enough to claim this lofty perch, even if just for a night.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is ADA accessible. The lookout cabin can be accessed by a short staircase as it is built on a five-foot tower.
Sites SizeThe cabin is a compact 14x14 feet, sitting on a five-foot tower, suitable for small groups or families.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin offers a secluded experience, surrounded by evergreens and with limited nearby infrastructure.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring personal locks for security, as noted by users. Carry propane bottles for cooking. "If you plan on leaving for a hike or run into town make sure you bring your own personal lock," advised one reviewer.
Best CampsitesOnly one campsite is available (Minton Peak Lookout).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 pm
Check-out
11:00 am
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 5 consecutive nights. Maximum total of 15 nights in any rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of 4 people per site.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle site located at Minton Peak Lookout. Cabin structure is 14x14 feet on a 5-foot tower.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen late June through mid-October. Peak season is June 23 - October 10.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information available; reservation is required for peak season access.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to midnight local time one day before arrival for individual campsites and 14 days prior for cabins/lookouts. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night’s recreation fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy scenic trails and mountain roads. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Hiking
"There's a nice hiking trail nearby," noted for spotting wildlife like a cinnamon phase black bear. Scenic views and pathways for exploration are also accessible.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include a "beautiful cinnamon phase black bear." Panoramic views of the Clark Fork Valley and surrounding mountain ranges provide an excellent vantage point for nature observation.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified; the facility is closed from mid-October to June.Water Sports
Non-motorized or motorized water sports are not mentioned as activities at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire ring available outside the lookout. Firewood is provided on-site.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high winds and fallen trees. Wildlife sightings, including cinnamon phase black bears, are possible. "Logging trucks were the only trouble," noted one user.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger District phone number: 406-827-3533. Nearest hospital and emergency services are likely in Thompson Falls (~20 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 23 - October 10.
Trash and recyclingGuests are requested to pack out all trash and food as the facility does not have trash or recycling services.
Common complaintsLimited views due to tree growth around the lookout. "Mostly good views as the trees have grown taller," one user noted. Lack of cell phone coverage is also mentioned.
HostContact Ranger District at 406-827-3533 for inquiries.
Campground Map
2693 MT Hwy 200, Trout Creek, MT 59874, USA
Driving directionsFrom Trout Creek, take Cedar Street to Pine Street. Turn right and follow for 5.89 miles. (Pine St. turns into Marten Cr. Road). Turn left on Minton Peak Road 322 and follow for 7.9 miles to the lookout Road 322A. Follow this road for 0.62 miles to the lookout.
The road is accessible by car, although some user reviews mention logging trucks and fallen trees during high winds as potential obstacles. "Easy to find. Logging trucks were the only trouble," noted one user.Nearby places
Trout Creek (approx. 5.9 miles, 15 min by car)
Thompson Falls (approx. 20 miles, 30 min by car)
Nearby supplies
Closest town for supplies is Trout Creek (~6 miles away). Fuel, groceries, and camping gear may also be available in Thompson Falls (~20 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.9
18 reviews
Minton Peak Lookout is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Minton Peak Lookout receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an average sentiment score of 4.76. Visitors praise its cleanliness, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the cabin being "super clean and updated," "amazing views," and the presence of "plenty of firewood." Guests appreciate the quiet and serene environment, well-maintained...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints are minor, with some mentions of limited views due to tree growth, lack of cell phone service, and high winds occasionally affecting outdoor activities.
Based on 18 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing personal propane bottles, locks for the cabin, and cleaning supplies. A tip for finding limited cell service is to explore rock outcroppings near the gate.
Based on 18 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive reviews are consistent throughout the open season (late June to mid-October). Summer months receive praise for clear skies and starry nights, while the fall season is appreciated for its...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Hands down one of the cleanest, well-organized lookouts in which I've stayed." - Bradley Davis. "Worth the trip if you can get it booked." - Bradley Davis. "Quiet, serene and peaceful. I try to go...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001, the only cabin, is frequently praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained vault toilet, and breathtaking views. Visitors also appreciate the availability of firewood and the cabin's...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The ADA-accessible vault toilet is highlighted, but no additional information on broader accessibility features is provided.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pets have been documented.
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025