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The Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout sits at an elevation of 6,529 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. This location has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1910. The current lookout tower was built in 1957.
The lookout is typically available from late June through late September, and is accessible by car, though high clearance vehicles are recommended for the primitive roads. Some creature comforts are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own amenities.
Aside from exploring Mount Baldy, hikers can find a network of trails in the surrounding Yaak Area. The Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, located in the northwest corner of the Yaak Area, offers a variety of hiking trails in beautiful settings.
Hunting is also possible nearby. Wild berries grow in the area, inviting berry pickers.
This 144 square foot lookout cabin sits atop a 26-foot tower and is encircled by a catwalk. It can accommodate 4 people and comes equipped with 2 twin beds and 4 mattresses, a table, 2 chairs, broom and dustpan. Propane appliances are provided that include a cook stove, heater and lights. An outhouse with vault toilet islocated nearby.
The lookout does not have electricity or water. Guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Items such as cooking gear, bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not available.
Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
The lookout offers views of the Kaniksu National Forest in Idaho, the Cabinet Mountain Range and Rock Candy Mountain. The panorama features endless mountain peaks and evergreen forest. Guests have an ideal location for watching sunrises and sunsets, or for gazing out over the starry night skies.
Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions ([bear safety](https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware/resources)). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.
Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive from the lookout off Yaak Highway 508. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.
From Troy Montana, follow Highway 2 West for 9.5 miles to Yaak Highway 508. Follow Yaak Highway 508 for 18 miles north to Meadow Creek Road 524. Follow Road 524 1 mile to junction with Road 745. Take road 745 approximately 4 miles to Baldy Mountain Lookout Road 591. Follow 591 for approximately 2 miles to Road 5954. Take Road 5954 to the lookout.
USFS fire lookout, USFS fire crews still use it on and off. though it's possible to make it up there in a two wheel drive vehicle, it's not recommended. Large rocks partly embedded in compact dirt with an uneven road surface. Proceed with caution in a car. 4x4 and high clearance you'll be fine. Long drive up, Totally worth it. Reservations are damn hard to get so plan way in advance.
Rented the tower for a few days! Stunning views and just a relaxing place to be!
What a Fantastic Lookout!
This is lookout number 17 for me and I was absolutely thrilled with the experience. My third lookout in the Purcell Mtn. Range and this area never disappoints. Baldy-Buckhorn overlooks the Yaak River valley which I was fortunate enough to see covered by a beautiful, full length inversion.
The lookout is relatively easy to get to, but the last 3 miles of two-track is a bit rough. Some short stretches do require higher-than-average clearance vehicles.
Inside the lookout (at least during my stay) the glass was all intact, the door functioned well (sans lock), the propane utilities worked (heater, stove/oven, and lamp), and it was very well maintained in the sense that paint work and other finishing was well done. There were two twin beds, two extra sleeping pads, two plastic lawn chairs, basic cooking supplies, limited hooks for hanging anything, and a beat up Osborne fire finder.
As tis IS a tower type lookout you may want to be aware that the deck entrance is NOT counter-balanced at all. You'll need to lift the entire weight of the deck door so keep your hands free to make it a bit easier. There is also no means to lock the deck door from the top. I only say this because this is one of the few lookouts I've been to which do not have a locked gate on the two-track up to the lookout. Anyone can drive to the top whenever they'd like
Anyway, the views are of course spectacular and the trip is WELL worth making and spending a few days decompressing.
