Yaak Mtn. Lookout, Troy, MT

Yaak Mtn. Lookout is located in the Three Rivers Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest (2 hrs 22 min northeast of Coeur d'Alene, ID) with an elevation of 4,956 feet. The site is normally open from mid May to the end of September. There is a fee of $55.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.

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Campsite Reviews (19)

4.6 out of 5

5 star		68%
4 star		21%
3 star		11%
2 star		0%
1 star		0%

@SamanthaM94338 · Camped on Sep 13, 2024 at Campsite #1

It was a great stay! The lookout was fully outfitted with cookware and the propane stove and heater (after getting the pilot light on) made the stay cozy. Beds were comfy and the views were amazing! Cant wait to go back!

@JoshuaS4039138 · Camped on Jul 16, 2024 at Campsite #1

This was our first time to Yaak and it did not disappoint. Was a little nervous after the burn came through a few years before but everything is starting to grow back pretty well. The lookout is definitely one of the higher ones so if stairs are not your friend I would advise against. Beds were pretty comfortable and all windows were operational to get a nice cross breeze in the LO. Pit toilet was out of TP so bring extra rolls. Pretty good cell service. Lots of birds around the lookout as the flying ants were out. Couple groups of Grouse were not shy and would come right up to our chairs while down at the base of the LO. The road up was fantastic and the gate was at the beginning of the access road and we saw no visitors. If its hot out and you need some respite from the peak, KIlbrennan Lake Campground was only about a 30 min drive back down the lookout. There is a small parking area and a little boat launch. We set up our chairs and were able to cool off (and clean off) in the lake. Beautiful area. Love Montana! Thanks to everyone that keeps these going! Enjoy!

@DaveK8817014 · Camped on Jul 5, 2024 at Campsite #1

Great view, cab and outhouse. Got water for washing/ cleaning from Roosevelt city park in Troy while at the tower.Thank you USFS for this facility.

@LESLIEF6646763 · Camped on May 22, 2024 at Campsite #1

Amazing family trip with our young boys!! We had an epic experience. Getting our gear up into the tower was a lot of work but totally worth it. Will definitely do this again!!

@SonyaH18787F4C · Camped on Jun 9, 2023 at Campsite #1

What a beautiful spot! The clouds blew through us, a storm rolled through, and it was perfect. No flies or wasps. A few mosquitoes outside but no bugs inside! 56 steps to the top. The trap door on the catwalk is super heavy and hard for a smaller gal to keep balance and open easily from the stairs coming up, but it’s solid!

@KimW8616866 · Camped on Sep 19, 2022 at Campsite #1

Tower was very taken care of very clean but problems with the heater and it got chilly at night so beware, we couldn't keep the pilot light on. I think it needs to be replaced but other than that it was a great adventure you won’t regret!

@MistyG7051099 · Camped on Sep 15, 2022 at Campsite #1

The gate had to be left open due to logging in the area. Forest service crew was there when we arrived. They were looking for fires and had no idea that it was a rental. The logging trucks drive so fast down the hill we were almost plowed into by one semi had to back down the mt a ways. Then a logging company pickup that almost hit us as well flying down the mountain. Would have been nice to know that was going on in the area. Loud at 6am when they started logging. It was mostly bare of trees due to the fire that went through and over grown with brush. I am sure the views are better with no smoke but couldn't see much. Probably won't do this one again for a few years while some trees grow back. Did have a great time away from the world.

@AnnaE6355761 · Camped on Aug 9, 2022 at Campsite #1

It’s hard not to compare to pre-2021 when a fire swept through but it looks so different there! The cabin is a bit run down and I’ve mentioned this before but the catwalk trapdoor is dangerously heavy. I could not close it by myself upon departure. Definitely could use more windows that open - only three can be cranked for screens. Propane stove worked great though - hot coffee!

@TiaS7788542 · Camped on Jul 15, 2022 at Campsite #1

10/10 experience! Clean lookout, great views, well-maintained road getting to the lookout, and about 33 minutes from the town of Troy. It was nice having the locked gate at the bottom of the mountain ensuring privacy. I wish more lookouts did that! While we were there, we traveled to the Ross Creek Cedars and had lunch at the Halfway Bar (you drive by it to get to the Cedars) highly recommend both! This is my 3rd lookout of the summer, and I have zero complaints. Verizon and AT&T both had good service.

@KariM9889417 · Camped on Jul 10, 2022 at Campsite #1

It was a good experience, but we really wish recreation.gov would allow at least a 2 night maximum or minimum when booking. It's disheartening to fight for a spot 2 days in a row and then be denied, only giving us access to go to all the work of getting to these deep in the woods places for only 1 night. Thanks for considering this so that more people can enjoy these spaces fully.

@MadisonS371325 · Camped on Jul 9, 2022 at Campsite #1

it was so magical! we hope to visit more fire lookouts!

@SamP9870406 · Camped on Jul 4, 2022 at Campsite #1

Amazing lookout, gorgeous views and nice and private. Gorgeous sunrises, and the full stove is such a blessing! Also we left our JBL speaker thereon accident, so if you take it, you're welcome lol.

@HarryW3621540 · Camped on Jun 12, 2022 at Campsite #1

great except for the weather rain snow and wind all three days

@DesiS710 · Camped on Sep 23, 2020 at Campsite #1

Amazing views. Wrench to help bring things up was very helpful so you don’t have to carry up the stairs. Sweet staying in one of these that has heat and a stove to cook! Great weather and definitely will go back

@DesiS1384704 · Camped on Sep 23, 2020 at Campsite #1

@AnnaB614 · Camped on Aug 17, 2020 at Campsite #1

This lookout was so fantastic. The road to the tower was not bad, a few big rocks but nothing a high clearance vehicle can't handle. Lots of steep stairs. Gorgeous views, turkey buzzards soaring by on thermals. We didn't see any other wildlife. The cabin was clean and well equipped and there is a really cool printed journal written by someone who lived seasons there in the '40s. The one thing I would caution about was the trap door to the stairs, which served as part of the wraparound balcony when it was down. It was VERY heavy. Lifting it from above was hard. Pushing it up when it's down and you're on the stairs is also hard. When you leave, you have to let it down over your own head, which is extremely difficult given the steepness of the stairs you're standing on. Be very, very careful with this!

@AnnaB8559934 · Camped on Aug 17, 2020 at Campsite #1

@SharonV832 · Camped on Jun 21, 2020 at Campsite #1

We loved the view and the solitude at the lookout. The setup was very complete and we had a great overnight.

@JamesV786 · Camped on Sep 2, 2019 at Campsite #1

Beautiful weather in September, ripe huckleberries, wonderful quietness and solitude. STEEP STAIRS, with some needing a little repair. Very enjoyable in good weather.

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