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Hornet Lookout

Flathead National Forest, Montana

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As of October 2026, Hornet Lookout is a campground in Flathead National Forest, Montana with 1 campsite. Hornet Lookout is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Hornet Lookout for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Hornet Lookout is located at 48.8778° N, 114.5117° W.

people allowed on each site: 2

Hornet Lookout reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Hornet Lookout

Cabin 1

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Gravel road.

Things to do: hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Hornet Lookout, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the AREA HORNET LOOKOUT loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps
001	Cabin	2

About Hornet Lookout

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.

Rules and notices at Hornet Lookout

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Hornet Lookout on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

There is a maximum stay of three consecutive nights with a total of seven days per calendar year.

Water, electricity and sewer is not available at the cabin. A wood stove is available at the lookout, however wood is not provided. There is a hand saw provided at the lookout and wood can be gathered near the lookout.

Use caution; Hornet Road 9805 is narrow, with few pullouts.

Bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage.

Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility.

Contact the ranger district office at (406) 387-3800, during normal office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for updates on weather and road conditions.

The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter.

Guests must clean cabin prior to departure; a fee will be charged if extra clean-up is needed.

Commercial use of cabin is prohibited.

Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest.

In early to mid-summer, expect snow on the road preventing you from driving to the Lookout's trailhead. Be prepared to hike an extra distance.

Refunds will not be given for inclement weather or road conditions.

Check-out time is 1200 pm. Check-in time is 2 pm.

This is a remote cabin that may be unoccupied for extended periods of time. Mice may be present in cabin - there are supplies to trap mice and remove safely in cabin. Please do your part to help mitigate rodents by picking up food crumbs, cleaning thoroughly, and trapping mice if they are present.

Cupula windows are seasonally shuttered in late September-early October for weather concerns.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Hornet Lookout FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Hornet Lookout?

Hornet Lookout is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Hornet Lookout?

Cancellations happen frequently at Hornet Lookout, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Hornet Lookout have?

Hornet Lookout has 1 campsites.