About UP UP LOOKOUT
Overview Up Up Lookout is 40 feet tall and perched on a beautiful rock pinnacle in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. It is close to the Idaho border, giving guests a bird's eye view of the entire area. The lookout is a fantastic place by which to view the St. Regis River drainage and the high alpine country. The tower can be accessed by vehicle. Children are discouraged, as the tower has an exterior open stairway. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The Up Up Ridge Trail takes visitors into the spectacular Ward and Eagle peaks roadless area, where visitors will find several scenic alpine lakes and various points of exploration. The trail leads to other trails, which take hikers and mountain bikers to the 7,300-foot Eagle Peak, providing ample views of the surrounding area. Big game hunters often camp along the ridge. It is also a great place to see vibrantly colored fall leaves, beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, do some berry picking and even fishing. The area holds many scenic and recreational attractions. The trail leads all the way to the Idaho state line, near Ward Peak.Facilities THE LOOKOUT CAN SLEEP UP TO FOUR PEOPLE AND IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE TWIN BED AND MATTRESS PAD. IT IS RECOMMENED TO BRING ADDITIONAL COTS TO SLEEP ON. It has propane lights and a heater. There are no cooking facilities or refrigeration. A campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table are provided at the base of the tower, along with an outhouse with a pit toilet. Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as cooking equipment and fuel. Cots, bedding, towels, soap, cooking and eating utensils, matches, toilet paper and garbage bags are not provided. Guests will need to clean the facility prior to leaving.Natural Features The wooden tower was built in the 1930s and used as a fire lookout for several years. It is situated between the main highway and the
How to Get There
Do not follow your GPS. Please use the following directions.West bound on I-90 take the Drexel Exit #25. From Drexel turn back east on I-90 to Ward Creek Exit #26. East bound on I-90 take the Ward Cr Exit #26. Proceed up the Ward Creek Rd #889, travel 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Road #3816 and travel 12.1 miles to the locked gate. Proceed 3.2 miles behind the gate to the base of the tower.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to UP UP LOOKOUT
Heading to UP UP LOOKOUT? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for UP UP LOOKOUT?
No central reservation system listed for UP UP LOOKOUT. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234390) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to UP UP LOOKOUT?
Do not follow your GPS. Please use the following directions.West bound on I-90 take the Drexel Exit #25. From Drexel turn back east on I-90 to Ward Creek Exit #26. East bound on I-90 take the Ward Cr Exit #26. Proceed up the Ward Creek Rd #889, travel 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Road #3816 and travel 12.1 miles to the locked gate. Proceed 3.2 miles behind the gate to the base of the tower.
How do I contact UP UP LOOKOUT?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-822-4233.
References & Official Resources