Mt. Wam Lookout Cabin Rental

Overview

Mount Wam Lookout sits atop its namesake mountain at an elevation of 7,203 feet within the Ten Lakes Proposed Wilderness Area in Kootenai National Forest. The lookout was used regularly as an observation point for spotting forest fires between 1931 and 1951. It was restored in 1999.



The lookout is available from late June through September. Guests must hike 5 miles on 3 different trails to reach the lookout from the parking area. This rustic retreat offers few amenities, so guests should be prepared to pack in most of their own supplies and gear.

Recreation

Trails 77, 78 and 339 are used to access the lookout, and all offer challenging hikes. Trail 339 that accesses the cabin is the Highline Trail, a 14-mile hike that features spectacular mountain views, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and huckleberry picking.

Trail 77, the Foundation-Camp Creek Trail, is 10 miles and traverses 3 valleys at the base of Mt. Wam. Trail 78 is the Clarence-Rich Creek Trail, which meanders 4 miles through dense forest, offering huckleberry picking and panoramic views.

Facilities

The lookout cabin is 196 square feet and can accommodate 4 people. It comes equipped with 2 twin size bed platforms, 4 thin foam sleeping pads, a wood stove for heat, a table with benches, cooking utensils, broom, dustpan, axe, bucket and shovel. Firewood is provided. An outhouse with vault toilet is located nearby.

Water and electricity are not available. Guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Items such as a cook stove, cookware, bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

The lookout offers panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies to the north, the Galton Mountains to the west, the Whitefish Range to the south and Glacier National Park to the east. From this vantage point, guests can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and gaze out over starry skies on clear nights.

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.