USDA Forest Service · Montana
Monument Peak Lookout
USDA Forest Service · Montana, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 no hookups
- Season
- June 15 to October 31
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 7,349 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile weak · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- MONUMENT (NFSR 3497) · native material · high clearance vehicles
- Lake
- Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
- Nearest town
- HARLOWTON
- Address
- 809 2ND ST. NW, HARLOWTON, MT, 59036
- Phone
- 406-632-4391
- Activities
- Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Mountain Biking, Photography
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Monument Peak Lookout offers guests an impressive yet rustic room with a view. The lookout, built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is perched atop Monument Peak, boasting spectacular 360 degree views of the Little Belt Mountains. The lookout was once used to spot forest fires but was left unused since the 1970s. In 1999, the lookout was removed from its 50 foot pole, restored and placed on a short, solid foundation for public rental use.
A high clearance vehicle is recommended, as the 2 miles of road leading up to the cabin are rough and rocky. During wet conditions the entie road may be muddy and often times slippery.
The Lookout/Cabin is avaialble for rental between June 1 and Novemebr 30 and is closed for the remainder of the year .
Recreation
Small and big game hunting is popular in the area. Hiking, OHVing and wildlife viewing are also enjoyed.
Facilities
The rustic lookout has two beds with mattresses, two propane lanterns, a table and chairs and a propane cooking stove. Pots, pans, dishes and utensils are included but are limited. A vault toilet is about 100 feet from the structure.
No water, electricity or plumbing is available. Recommended items to bring include drinking water, bedding, flashlights, food, small propane canisters, firewood, matches and a cooler. ( Click here ) for more cabin details.
Natural Features
The lookout sits at 7,395 feet in elevation, offering views of Monument Ridge and Strawberry Ridge. The surrounding region is a dense coniferous forest with fir, spruce and pine trees.
Lewis and Clark National Forest has many miles of streams and fishing opportunities. Native wildlife includes black bears, mule-deer, white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagles, mountain lions and other species.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24° | 9° | -48° | 34° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 21° | 5° | -41° | 38° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 31° | 15° | -9° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 35° | 19° | -17° | 58° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 48° | 29° | 20° | 65° | 11 of 11 |
| June | 59° | 38° | 27° | 82° | 7 of 11 |
| July | 72° | 46° | 33° | 85° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 69° | 46° | 37° | 82° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 60° | 39° | 25° | 75° | 7 of 11 |
| October | 45° | 29° | 13° | 64° | 10 of 10 |
| November | 33° | 20° | -16° | 51° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 23° | 11° | -29° | 36° | 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
- Logging Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 8 mi
- Calf Creek Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 12 mi · 1 sites
- Smith River State Park · Montana State Parks · 14 mi · 52 sites
- Moose Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 15 mi
- Aspen Campground · USDA Forest Service · 16 mi
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.