Cougar Peak Lookout, Plains, MT

Cougar Peak Lookout is located in the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest (2 hrs 59 min east of Coeur d'Alene, ID) with an elevation of 6,653 feet. The site is normally open from mid June to mid October. There is a fee of $45.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (14)

4.8 out of 5

5 star		64%
4 star		21%
3 star		0%
2 star		0%
1 star		0%

@VictoriaW12824 · Camped on Jul 20, 2024 at Campsite #1

Hot, hot weekend. Lots of flies and smoke. Still, the grandsons had a great time and thats what mattered. The cots were very comfy and appreciated. The road up is long and a high clearance vehicle would be a good idea.

@MikeM9721189 · Camped on Aug 2, 2023 at Campsite #1

long up hill drive but worth it, parking was tight at the look out but there is more at new restrooms. Overall a 5 star

@FrancesC333452 · Camped on Aug 14, 2022 at Campsite #1

My husband and I had a lovely time on Cougar Peak. That some windows opened was very nice. Also appreciated the small screened low vent on the north side to allow great air circulation. The mattress was the most comfortable of any lookout ones we've experienced. Too warm to use the woodstove. Sunsets & rises were lovely. Hiking trail towards Graves Peak was very enjoyable. But mostly we enjoyed settling into watching the change of light throughout the day and getting out all our maps to better understand the country. The second day we also washed as many windows as we could before running out of toweling; they were in good need of cleaning. A lovely experience; directions were spot on and combo locks functioned easily. Thank you.

@KateB7910079 · Camped on Aug 7, 2022 at Campsite #1

Sooooo beautiful at Cougar Peak! We saw a meteor shower, as well as colorful sunrises and sunsets. If you go, definitely hike out to Graves Peak and Vermillion Pass! You can hike beyond the pass to Mt. Headley or Slide Rock Mtn trail, if you are feeling motivated. The area did burn last fall in the Thorne Creek fire, but is still absolutely gorgeous. The forest service gate is approx. 2 miles below the lookout, but that didn't keep a big group of people from hiking up to the lookout while I was up there...... just something to be aware of! The lookout itself was very clean and very well taken care of - great job, USFS folks! There is a new vault toilet near the lookout, which is a very nice improvement! No screens on the windows to the lookout, so lots of flies if the windows were opened. It's fairly difficult to score a reservation for this lookout, so I was grateful that it worked out!

@ScottF5762481 · Camped on Jul 18, 2022 at Campsite #1

The Forest Service put in some nice new furniture and the lookout is in great shape. It was very clean when we arrived. Thanks to all who help make this experience happen.

@AmandaB8644117 · Camped on Jun 27, 2022 at Campsite #1

The lookout was beautiful and comfy. We really enjoyed our stay.

@RobertK4087757 · Camped on Jul 21, 2020 at Campsite #1

(This comment has been passed on to the Lolo National Forest.) A large wildfire came close to wiping out this lookout in 2018 (I think the year is correct.) A significant amount of burned area can be seen from the lookout. There is an excellent opportunity for the Forest Service to educate the public with a small booklet or info sheet in the lookout regarding this wildfire. I have stayed here several times over the past 10 years or so and have enjoyed it immensely. It has significant nostalgia for me since I staffed this lookout during the summer of 1966. I am very grateful that the Forest Service has maintained these facilities for public use.

@RobertK912 · Camped on Jul 21, 2020 at Campsite #1

@LeeV898 · Camped on Jul 12, 2020 at Campsite #1

Great spot and I like that there is a gate on the way up.

@LeeV2340299 · Camped on Jul 12, 2020 at Campsite #1

Great spot and I like that there is a gate on the way up.

@SusanH8664991 · Camped on Aug 18, 2019 at Campsite #1

We loved the rock art, haven't seen that at the other lookouts we've visited. A stay at Cougar Peak is a good lesson on how quickly life returns after a fire. The lookout itself was cleaner and in better repair that others we have stayed. Now that renting lookouts has been 'discovered,' it would be a good idea to require an IQ test to those wanting to rent them.

@SusanH869 · Camped on Aug 18, 2019 at Campsite #1

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