Entry No. 10 — the Missoula file — filed under: outdoor-weird

Double Arrow Lookout (overnight fire tower rental)

Sleep inside a working-era fire lookout: this 1933 tower stands on a 20-foot base with a wraparound catwalk and sweeping views over the Seeley Valley and the Swan Mountains. Recently renovated and listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, the single-room cab has a cook stove, fridge, heat, electricity, and sleeping for up to four (two beds plus two cots). You haul in your own water, bedding, and food, and use a vault toilet a short walk away, but you get a 360-degree perch above the trees all to yourselves. Bookable on recreation.gov; summer season only (roughly late May through early September).

The move: Book a clear night, drive up the rough access road, and spend the evening on the catwalk watching the valley and stars from your own fire tower.

📍 Before you go Reserve well ahead on recreation.gov (~$75/night); fire lookouts book months out. Typically open Fri-before-Labor-Day through Tue-after-Memorial-Day. High-clearance vehicle needed for the steep dirt/gravel road; bring all water and bedding.

• 📍 Seeley Lake (day trip from Missoula)
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Lolo National Forest, near Seeley Lake, MT 59868

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24