Mcguire Mountain Lookout, Eureka, MT

Mcguire Mountain Lookout is located in the Rexford Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest (3 hrs 46 min northeast of Coeur d'Alene, ID) with an elevation of 6,992 feet. The site is normally open from mid June to the end of September. There is a fee of $45.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (27)

4.3 out of 5

5 star		48%
4 star		37%
3 star		11%
2 star		0%
1 star		4%

@TamarieP40C16B · Camped on Jul 18, 2024 at Campsite #1

The hike to this lookout is a fun fairly easy trail. The lookout is so neat! You can go up into a loft with glass windows to view the sky. There are many games to play and some books that people have left for the next. The sunset was amazing but the sunrise was even better. The only reason I gave this lookout a 4 was bugs bugs and more bugs. Bring your bug spray. They definitely didnt ruin the experience. We too the longer trail down for a change of scenery and liked it as well.I recommend staying here!

@JoeG6594421 · Camped on Jul 9, 2024 at Campsite #1

The lookout was fly infested. Windows on all four sides which can be opened but no screens to keep bugs out. Unfortunately, the temperatures were running 10+ degrees above normal and with the lookout in full sun the shelter was very hot inside. We opened most of the windows to get some air flow and provide the flies with an opportunity to escape. Very few did. Outside we had clouds of mosquitos, so it was a tradeoff between flies and mosquitos. We waited until the sun went down below the horizon, closed all the windows and tried to eliminate as many flies as possible. That made the night's sleep tolerable. Otherwise, nice lookout. The spring about 20 to 30 minutes down the trail towards the Sutton Saddle is likely seasonal. I would not count on it later in the summer.

@ChelseaK616705 · Camped on Sep 1, 2023 at Campsite #1

This is a wonderful little lookout with spectacular views. The hike in was relatively easy for an experienced hiker. My 9 year old did great, and she was carrying her gear. Im not sure how more than 2-3 people would sleep here. The platforms fit two adults and one child.

@HollyA2467819 · Camped on Aug 11, 2023 at Campsite #1

Wonderful stay at such a beautiful location. We were lucky to catch the perseid meteor shower. Be sure to put extra logs in the stove before bed, it gets really cold at night due to the exposure and panoramic windows. There wasn't a stove, so we left a Eureka brand SPRK+ Camp Stove single burner range and some 8 oz Butane fuel cartridges. There is an adapter piece to this stove that will allow propane canisters but we didn't have it- if anyone can bring one up, I'm sure it would be used and serve the cabin well :) We enjoyed the heck out of our time and chopped wood and kindling for the next folks to use- if you're able, please pass this forward!

@TiaS7788542 · Camped on Aug 4, 2023 at Campsite #1

What a fantastic lookout! The hard work of the NW Montana Lookout Association is hugely appreciated in making this place so unique. Due to the recent restorations on the lookout, there is glass and nails everywhere outside around the lookout! Im not talking about just one windows worth of broken glass, but multiple... Just be aware of this if you bring a dog and when packing your camp shoes (Tevas not advised). I picked up as much as I could, but no matter what, there was always more. The most helpful directions were: From Rexford on Highway 37, turn on Sutton Creek Rd. (rd. 619) which is about mile marker 48 on Highway 37. After 2 miles, take a right on 7993 (Flat Creek) for 16.4 miles (here, youll pass a sign for an additional trailhead to McGuire Lookout. This trailhead is steeper and 3.5 miles). Turn left on 494 for 1.2 miles. The trailhead is on the left, and the parking area is on the right; this trailhead is less steep at only 2.5 miles! A spring at 48.68094, -115.19986 flows directly over the trail before you begin the final incline to the lookout. I went at the beginning of August, and the spring still flowed. A hand-drawn map inside the lookout will lead you to another spring (I didnt explore this option, but the directions looked easy to follow).

@RebeccaRC89AED · Camped on Jul 22, 2023 at Campsite #1

Thanks so much to the Northwest Montana Lookout Association for your hard work, the lookout is gorgeous! Had a lovely stay here even though we took the longer route which is 3.5 miles up and 1600 ft of gain. Such a cool unique lookout ! Can't wait to stay again

@WENDYC8417072 · Camped on Jul 20, 2022 at Campsite #1

This is our favorite lookout as it is a quick hike and you have complete solitude. The new windows, shutters and fresh coat of paint was an added bonus this year! The wild flowers were in full bloom making it like walking through a wedding bouquet. We are so fortunate that this little slice of history and beauty is accessible to us. Thanks to all of those who steward the land and lookout!

@jeffk5543088 · Camped on Sep 28, 2021 at Campsite #1

Great Renovations to the lookout by the Northwest Montana Fire Lookout Association volunteers. The views are endless. The trail is easy to follow. The solitude is great. The only down side is that the new shutters cant be installed if needed to block wind and snow, so if you have those conditions you are stuck with the very drafty windows. Hopefully this problem gets rectified in 2022.

@jeffk682 · Camped on Sep 28, 2021 at Campsite #1

@SamP9870406 · Camped on Sep 12, 2021 at Campsite #1

Coziest lookout we have ever stayed at. Upgrades are amazing, great job volunteers and forest service.

@SamP361 · Camped on Sep 12, 2021 at Campsite #1

Coziest lookout we have ever stayed at. Upgrades are amazing, great job volunteers and forest service.

@AllisonD516 · Camped on Jul 1, 2021 at Campsite #1

The trail to the lookout is beautiful (via FS 494 (Sutton Ridge Rd). I have heard that the lookout will be undergoing restoration soon and this couldn’t come soon enough. It is adorable but in very poor condition with windows that are falling apart and a front door that barely opens. There are gaps in so many places that let in the flies, mosquitos, and bees. I’m not sure it should even be rented by the FS in this condition.

@AllisonD915411 · Camped on Jul 1, 2021 at Campsite #1

@WendyC130 · Camped on Jun 29, 2021 at Campsite #1

This is one of our favorite fire towers! Easy hike and NOBODY in sight! The wild flowers were amazing! Clear night and incredible sunset and sunrise. I am always amazed at all of the camp gear left- making it easy to cook and enjoy!

@MaryK136 · Camped on Jun 18, 2021 at Campsite #1

wonderful location, view and experience. Only negative was the state of disrepair of the lookout with windows allowing access to hundreds of flies. So glad it is on the list to get some very needed TLC by the NW Montana Lookout Assoc this summer

@MaryK8503295 · Camped on Jun 18, 2021 at Campsite #1

@SamanthaK65339 · Camped on Sep 16, 2020 at Campsite #1

We loved McGuire lookout! Accessible yet remote, this was a great get away for the night. It was a treat to be able to wake up on top of a mountain and in a building. The hike is pretty easy, but still a lot of fun with quickly changing scenery. Overall: great trip!

@SamanthaK353 · Camped on Sep 16, 2020 at Campsite #1

@AdamS504 · Camped on Sep 4, 2020 at Campsite #1

Great hike in through a nice forest. The lookout had an axe, bow saw, and nice wood stove for warmth. I hiked in with three kids, and the 5 year old did great. This was a great weekend adventure!

@ADAMS8586850 · Camped on Sep 4, 2020 at Campsite #1

Great hike in through a nice forest. The lookout had an axe, bow saw, and nice wood stove for warmth. I hiked in with three kids, and the 5 year old did great. This was a great weekend adventure!

@JORDYNM3104359 · Camped on Aug 14, 2020 at Campsite #1

Really cute spot to stay. We hiked in a few hours before sunset, which seemed like perfect timing. The access road was long and dusty, but fairly easy to tackle with a truck (only a handful of really bumpy sections). Hike is was quite easy - no exceedingly steep sections or difficult parts, just a nice gradual and well-traveled trail. The cabin itself was clean, although some previous inhabitants had left trash in the stove. There were a lot of cook pots/pans, but they all seemed pretty old. Someone had kindly left behind a handful of sleeping pads, which was very welcome! Overall, highly recommend!!

@JORDYNM917 · Camped on Aug 14, 2020 at Campsite #1

@CatH571 · Camped on Aug 6, 2020 at Campsite #1

IMPORTANT! DO NOT FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS LISTED HERE! Look it up before you go - the directions listed here are super confusing and incorrect! The tower location is very picturesque and beautiful, expect hikers and horseback riders to visit while you are there. We loved the hike in - well maintained trail, beautiful views, lots of wildlife and wildflowers. The tower itself is very bare bones but comfortable overall. Majority of the windows dont fit the frames - we actually got rained on inside the cabin during a storm - most are filled with paper and tinfoil from previous renters. The fireplace works fantastic - kept us warm during the storm. There were 6 sleeping pads stored under the bed platforms - thank you to whomever left those! I had read how bad the mosquitoes were here but it was windy enough during our stay that we had no problems with them. Previous renters also left water and some basic supplies. We had a MOST EXCELLENT time!

@CatH4089185 · Camped on Aug 6, 2020 at Campsite #1

@micheller623 · Camped on Jul 19, 2020 at Campsite #1

The trail to the lookout was an easy hike, tons of wild flowers were in bloom, there was also a ton of mosquitoes to. Overall it was beautiful to visit. Was were able to see a great view of the Neowise comet also.

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