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Thompson Peak Lookout provides great views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, the Idaho state line and, of course, the big sky of Montana. It is close enough to Superior to allow for easy access, but remote enough to provide the quiet and solitude expected at a lookout. The modernized tower provides amenities not typical to a lookout, making it a desirable place to stay.
A variety of trails exist in the area, allowing visitors a chance to explore the surrounding forest. Wildlife spotting is also a popular activity. Most of all, visitors come to the tower to relax and enjoy the scenery.
THE ONE-ROOM RENTAL CABIN IS EQUPPED WITH 1 TWIN-BED WITH A MATTRESS PAD AND SLEEPS UP TO FOUR PEOPLE. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO BRING COTS FOR ADDITIONAL SLEEPING OPTIONS. The facility has electricity and cell phone service, as well as an electric stove, heater, microwave and small refrigerator. Some basic eating and cooking utensils are supplied, as well as pots and pans, however drinking water is not available. An outhouse with a vault toilet is provided. Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as bedding, towels, soap, garbage bags and toilet paper. Guests will need to clean the cabin before leaving. Some basic cleaning equipment and supplies are provided. The facility can be accessed by vehicle on available dates between May 20 and October 10. It is closed to the public during the remainder of the year. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
The lookout is located on the third floor of a multiple story building that is used as a radio and cellular tower. Equipment is located on other floors of the building. It is constructed out of concrete blocks with an enclosed stairway, making it more suitable for children.
The 2 million-acre Lolo National Forest includes four wilderness areas and a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears. Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of duck.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.
From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior. Turn left at the stop sign. At the next stop sign turn left and proceed under the interstate. Turn left onto Diamond Match Road, towards the Exxon Gas Station, and continue just over a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 320. Drive for about 3 miles and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 miles to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District at 406-822-4233.
Stunning! Perfect place to hang out and sleep for the night! The lookout tower is well maintained by all the visitors who come through. Clean and everything is in good repair. The only bad thing is the road leading up to the lookout tower, parts are pretty rocky, washed out, and filled with pot holes, we drove up in a Prius and our car was definitely worse for the wear and tear after the drive, so note you might want to only go up in a vehicle that doesn't sit so low to the ground. But other than that it was absolute perfection!!!!
A great rental with electric power and great cell service thanks to the Telecommunications infrastructure on site. Carrying up gear, water & food up the stairs can be taxing.
Saw a small black bear on the rod in, about 1/4 mile from tower, it took off as aoon as it saw me. Otherwise all quiet, except for an occasional train whistle rising up from the valley below.
Awesome hidden gem. Most sedans may have trouble driving up this road, but any SUV will have no problem. Road is mostly gravel with few spots of lose rock. Views from tower are amazing even in bad weather. This place is better than I anticipated, will do it again next year. If you bring your own portable showers, then this is better than any hotel/motel ever. Binoculars highly recommended for additional enjoyment. Twin mattress will fit 2 people, not 4 as website states. Please take care of this place for others to enjoy, there is no other place like this.
Nice hike during winter months with a pit to get warm by. You can drive up during other months. Great views and you can rent the tower if you book in advance. I don't recommend going into old mines unless you are prepared. No I won't disclose it's location, sorry.
