About Minton Peak Lookout
Minton Peak Lookout is situated in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,351 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The original lookout was constructed in 1932, replaced in 1968, and completely rebuilt in 2011. The mountain was named after Col. David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded (and is buried) near the mouth of Minton Creek. The lookout is typically open from late June through mid-October and is accessible by car. This rustic retreat offers a few amenities, but guests should pack in most of their own supplies and gear. Mountain roads and scenic trails provide access to explore the area. The 14x14 foot cabin sits on a five foot tower. The lookout has windows on all sides and is encircled by a catwalk. The cabin sleeps four people and is equipped with two twin size beds with mattresses. Other amenities include a table and chairs, wood stove for heat, two-burner cooktop…
- Managed by: Kootenai National Forest, FS
- Where: 9 mi west of Trout Creek, MT · 47.82836, -115.771
Official page for this camp (fees, closures, booking)
Weather by month
Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: Jun–Sep (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: Nov–Apr.
Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.
Trails near camp
| Trail | Open to | From camp | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorrel Gulch | Dirt bike | 0.2 mi | 4.3 mi |
| Robin Run | Hiking | 1.0 mi | 1.3 mi |
| Trout Creek Nrt | Hiking | 2.0 mi | 20.2 mi |
| Attlebury | Hiking | 2.3 mi | 4.2 mi |
| Minton Pass | Dirt bike | 2.5 mi | 2.0 mi |
| West Fork Trout Creek | Hiking | 2.8 mi | 3.8 mi |
Straight-line distance from camp, from Forest Service, BLM, state and OpenStreetMap trail data.
Good to know
No signal at camp
From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.The Milky Way casts shadows and the sky is crowded with stars.
Class 1 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.Stargazing nearby: Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge (Dark Sky Sanctuary), 54 mi.
Camps nearby
- Marten Creek Campground 3.9 mi
- North Shore Campground 6.9 mi
- Gem Peak Lookout Rental 8.7 mi
- Sex Peak. Lookout Rental 9.4 mi
- Jackpine Flats Campground 11.5 mi
- Triangle Pond 13.6 mi