Mccart Lookout
McCart Lookout is a historic tower located on McCart Peak, east of Sula. It has been restored to reflect a lookout of the 1940s, including the stove, furniture, dishes and other small touches. It offers a unique chance for visitors to camp on a mountain peak, on the border of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, in a rustic, old-time setting. The tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding western Montana wilderness.
McCart Lookout is a historic "L4" lookout located on Mccart Peak east of the Bitterroot Valley. The lookout is a one room cabin with a bed platform suitable for two people. Bedding is not provided. The lookout can accommodate up to four. Others are welcome to tent camp in the area. The lookout measures 14ft.X14ft. with a 30 inch catwalk around the outside. There is a wood stove for heat. You may have to saw your own wood from dead and down material found nearby. A bow saw and ax are provided. A two burner propane camp stove and lanterns are provided. Propane is not provided, you will need to bring your own propane canisters. Utensils for cooking and eating are provided. There is no water available near the lookout so please bring your own water. An outdoor toilet serves the lookout. You will need to provide your own toilet paper. There is a small corral for two or three head of stock.
The lookout is built on a 10 foot tall tower, with narrow steps and catwalk. This may pose a hazard for children and pets. Guests are responsible for their own safety.
Remember, guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as propane fuel canisters for cooking and lighting. Guests are also responsible for their own bedding, towels, soap, toilet paper and garbage bags. The facility does not provide trash receptacles; all garbage must be carried out, and the tower must be cleaned by guests prior to leaving. Do not leave anything you bring, even if you think it will benefit other renters
The tower is accessed by a moderate, 1.5-mile hike from the parking area. Snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles are not allowed on the trail, however, horses and other livestock are welcome. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Notifications and Alerts
This rental facility is under construction during the 2024 rental season and will be unavailable during this time. Reservations will be made available as soon as the project is complete. The project is set to finish at the end of July 2024. Tentatively, the McCart Lookout Tower could potentially be available to the public in August and September 2024.
Please continue to monitor this webpage on Recreation.gov for status updates or contact the Darby/Sula Ranger District at 406-821-3913 for further details.
Need to Know
Drinking water is not available. Bring your own drinking water.
Bring propane canisters for stove and lantern.
Hay for stock must be certified weed free.
All garbage and food must be packed out. Please bring garbage bags.
Bring your own bedding.
- The historic L-4 cabin sits on a 10 foot tall tower, with narrow steps and catwalk. This may pose a hazard for children and pets. Guests are responsible for their own safety.
Motorcycles, ATV's, and OHV's are not allowed on the trail.
- This facility is located in a remote area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety
Some cleaning supplies are provided but you should plan to bring your own in case they are not available during your stay. Please help keep the cabin clean.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- Learn more about the Bitterroot National Forest
Check in time is 2:00 PM; Check out time is 12:00 PM
- The lookout remains locked; a week before your scheduled arrival, contact the Darby-Sula Ranger District at 406-821-3913 during office hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to obtain a key code
Natural Features
The tower is situated east of the Bitterroot Valley, at an elevation of 7,115 feet. It was named for William McCart, who settled the area but failed to complete his homestead entry to patent. It is poised on the edge of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and offers beautiful views of the Pintler Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Mountains to the west.
The Bitterroot forest is home to many species of wildlife, from mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, mountain lions, and moose, to many varieties of smaller animals and birds.
Nearby Attractions
A variety of natural hot springs exist in the area, including the the Lost Trail Hot Springs, which is located about 13 miles northwest of the tower. It provides swimming and additional amenities, including a general store and lodging.
Recreation
The trail to reach the tower continues south and joins the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which extends 3,100 miles across the United States, from the borders of Mexico to Canada. While it might take about six months to complete, a variety of day hikes and points of exploration are available within the area of the lookout tower. Trails can be enjoyed on foot or on horseback. Backpackers also enjoy the terrain. Aside from hiking and horseback riding, the area is replete with wildlife and offers scenic views. A lookout journal is kept inside, providing instructions of what to do in case of emergency or a storm. Danger from lightning is largely abated due to a lightning rod implanted at the structure.
Contact Information
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7338 HWY .93 S. SULA MT 59871
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-821-3913
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Missoula, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for approximately 90 miles to Sula. Go east on Highway 472 for about 15 miles and then south on Forest Road 5765/McCart Road for about 6 miles to the Johnson Peak Trailhead. Hike about 1.5 miles to the lookout tower.
