USDA Forest Service · Montana
Hornet Lookout
USDA Forest Service · Montana, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 no hookups
- Season
- June 15 to October 15
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 6,532 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Lake
- Flathead National Forest
- Nearest town
- HUNGRY HORSE
- Address
- 10 Hungry Horse Drive, P.O. Box190340, HUNGRY HORSE, MT, 59919
- Phone
- 406-387-3800
- Activities
- Camping, Hiking, Historic Sites, Wildlife Viewing
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Hornet Lookout provides guests with astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain, including Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake on clear days. On some nights, the Northern Lights may be seen from the lookout. Visitors also enjoy access to a variety of recreational activities.
Access to the lookout requires a one-mile hike from the trailhead at the parking area. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Hiking and mountain biking on the gravel roads and trails are among the activities available in the area. Viewing wildlife is another rewarding pastime.
Facilities
The two-story lookout sits at ground level. The ground level provides a living space for two guests and the second story is a small loft used solely for full views of the region. The lookout's rustic accommodations include a propane cook stove, propane lantern, two cots, a small wood stove for heat. A pit toilet is provided outside the lookout. Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required.
No water is available. Guests should pack their own bedding, water, first aid kit and food, among other necessities. Click here for more cabin details.
Natural Features
The scenic lookout is perched atop Hornet Peak, at an elevation of 6,744 feet. Nearby peaks include Wedge Mountain and Akinkoka Peak. The rustic lookout was built in 1922 and, in its prime, played an integral role for detecting forest fires in the North Fork area. A 2003 wildfire charred the surrounding area, but wildflowers and bear grass are making a comeback.
Glacier View Ranger District is bordered on the east by the North Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park. To the north is Canada and west is the Montana's Kootenai National Forest.
Nearby Attractions
Glacier National Park and the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River are nearby.
Fees
Reservations can be made one to 180 days in advance. The rental fee is $40 per night and there is a maximum stay of three consecutive nights with a total of seven days per calendar year.
Federal Pass discounts do not apply.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21° | 11° | -38° | 28° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 20° | 6° | -31° | 33° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 30° | 16° | -16° | 47° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 34° | 21° | -5° | 53° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 45° | 27° | 19° | 70° | 11 of 11 |
| June | 56° | 36° | 20° | 76° | 8 of 11 |
| July | 70° | 47° | 34° | 81° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 69° | 46° | 35° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 57° | 38° | 23° | 71° | 5 of 11 |
| October | 39° | 23° | 7° | 58° | 10 of 10 |
| November | 27° | 16° | -12° | 43° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 21° | 11° | -24° | 32° | 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.
Nearby campgrounds
- Ninko Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi · 1 sites
- Tuchuck Campground · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi
- Wurtz Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 1 sites
- Ford Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 1 sites
- Schnaus Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 8 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Montana · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.