§ 02 — OVERVIEW
Yaak Mountain Lookout rests atop its namesake peak at an elevation of 4,977 feet within the Rocky Mountains in the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout tower has been used as an observation point for spotting forest fires since 1958. The lookout is typically open from mid-June through late September.
Access is available via primitive roads, and high clearance vehicles are recommended. This rustic retreat offers a few amenities, but guests will need to bring most of their own gear and supplies.
Yaak Mountain Road is for non-motorized use only, with the exception of guests who reserve the lookout. Hikers can hike along this road, as well as explore the remnants of the structures that stood here before the current lookout. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in the Kootenai River. The Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for cutthroat, rainbow, brook and bull trout.
The lookout sits atop a 45-foot tower and has a catwalk encircling the cabin. It can accommodate up to 4 people and comes equipped with 2 twin beds and 4 mattresses. Other amenities include a propane stove, heater, lights, table and chairs, fire extinguisher and cleaning gear. An outhouse with vault toilet is located a short distance away. No electricity or water is available. Guests must bring their own supply of water for drinking, cooking and washing. Items such as cooking gear, bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
The lookout is located in the Yaak Area, which features mountainous and heavily forested terrain, as well as several lakes scattered at varying elevations. Guests can enjoy outstanding views of the town of Troy, especially for 4th of July fireworks, as well as the Kootenai and Yaak River valleys and the surrounding mountains. Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions ( bear safety ). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.
§ 04 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 05 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 06—09 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 07 — REVIEWS
§ 08 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 09 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive northwest from Yaak Mountain. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.
§ 03 — TRAILS NEARBY
Trip Reports
0 reports
Sign the ledger to file a review.
Sign in to add your own photos.
No community photos yet — be the first to share one from your visit.
Nearby Trails
§ 01 — VITALS
AT&T
T-Mobile
Verizon
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Thu
61°F
Sunny
2 to 10 mph SSW
Fri
62°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
2 to 7 mph WSW
Sat
64°F
Sunny
5 mph ENE
Sun
71°F
Sunny
3 mph NE
Mon
84°F
Mostly Sunny
1 to 5 mph NNW
Tue
86°F
Mostly Sunny
1 to 9 mph WSW
Wed
80°F
Sunny
1 to 9 mph WSW
