Hornet Lookout in MT -- Campground & RV Camping

Hornet Lookout is a historic 1922 two-story fire tower perched at 6,744 feet atop Hornet Peak, near Glacier National Park and the North Fork Flathead River. The ground level provides living space for two guests with two cots, a small wood stove, a propane cook stove, and a propane lantern, while the top loft offers full views of Kintla Lake and surrounding peaks. An outdoor pit toilet is provided, but there is no water on site. Guests must hike one mile from the trailhead parking area to reach the lookout.

Getting there: From Columbia Falls, take Nucleus Avenue north through Columbia Falls and turn east on Railroad Street. At the stop sign, the road becomes the North Fork Road. Continue on North Fork Road for about 45 miles and over the railroad overpass. Turn left (west) on Whale Creek Road 318 and drive 4 miles, then turn right on the narrow Hornet Road 9805 and go 5.2 miles to the trailhead of Hornet Trail 349. Hike about a mile to the lookout.

• Moderately separated here.
• Flat ground is scarce: under a tenth of the terrain within a few hundred yards is level.
• Cabins and shelters rather than pads, with 1 hike-in site.
• Cleft Rock Mountain stands 854 ft above the map pin, 2.1 miles northwest.

Rules