Cabins · USDA Forest Service · Montana
Cabins at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental
USDA Forest Service · Montana, United States
- Sleeps
- 4
- Bedrooms
- 1
- Heated
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 4,974 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Nearest town
- TROY
- Address
- Three Rivers RD 12858 US Hwy. 2, TROY, MT, 59935-8750
- Phone
- 406-295-4693
About
Overview
Yaak Mountain Lookout rests atop its namesake peak at an elevation of 4,977 feet within the Rocky Mountains in the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout tower has been
used as an observation point for spotting forest fires since 1958.
The lookout is typically open from mid-June through late September. Access is available via primitive roads, and high clearance vehicles are recommended. This rustic
retreat offers a few amenities, but guests will need to bring most of their own gear and supplies.
Recreation
Yaak Mountain Road is for non-motorized use only, with the exception of guests who reserve the lookout. Hikers can hike along this road, as well as explore the
remnants of the structures that stood here before the current lookout.
Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in the Kootenai River. The Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for cutthroat, rainbow, brook and bull trout.
Facilities
The lookout sits atop a 45-foot tower and has a catwalk encircling the cabin. It can accommodate up to 4 people and comes equipped with 2 twin beds and 4 mattresses.
Other amenities include a propane stove, heater, lights, table and chairs, fire extinguisher and cleaning gear. An outhouse with vault toilet is located a short distance away.
No electricity or water is available. Guests must bring their own supply of 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.
Natural Features
The lookout is located in the Yaak Area, which features mountainous and heavily forested terrain, as well as several lakes scattered at varying elevations. Guests can
enjoy outstanding views of the town of Troy, especially for 4th of July fireworks, as well as the Kootenai and Yaak River valleys and the surrounding mountains.
Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions (bear safety).
A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.
Nearby Attractions
Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive northwest from Yaak Mountain. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 14° | -38° | 34° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 27° | 13° | -28° | 36° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 34° | 20° | -6° | 54° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 39° | 26° | 8° | 60° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 54° | 35° | 26° | 76° | 9 of 11 |
| June | 61° | 41° | 30° | 79° | 3 of 11 |
| July | 76° | 53° | 41° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 75° | 52° | 44° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 62° | 43° | 27° | 76° | 2 of 11 |
| October | 45° | 30° | 23° | 64° | 9 of 10 |
| November | 31° | 23° | -2° | 48° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 26° | 19° | -20° | 37° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Campgrounds nearby
- Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental · USDA Forest Service · 0 mi · 1 sites
- Yaak River Campground (MT) · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 46 sites
- Kilbrennan Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi
- Yaak Falls Campground · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi
- Loon Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 12 mi
Other cabins nearby
- Lunch Peak Lookout · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi
- Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi
- Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge · USDA Forest Service · 19 mi
- Whitetail Yurt · USDA Forest Service · 19 mi
- Deer Ridge Lookout · USDA Forest Service · 21 mi
All public cabins and yurts in Montana · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2025-12-02. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.