🧯 Elk Summit Lookout
Bitterroot National Forest · Moose Creek Ranger District
Opens in ~2 months
🏛️ Historic structure 1951
🏔️ 8,200 ft
Heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Views of the Salmon River drainage and Idaho's Seven Devils. Pack station access available.
Unknown access conditions today
Based on season, weather, wind, and snow. Scores update every 30 minutes.
Weather data temporarily unavailable
Access
🥾 Hike-in required
4.00 mi · 1,500 ft gain
🛣️ Access road
Trapper Creek road then 4-mile hike
📅 Season
July 1 – September 30
Road distance from town: ~0.0 mi unpaved
Booking
Contact Moose Creek RD (406-821-3269). Remote Selway-Bitterroot access.
Booking window: 6 months rolling via recreation.gov
🎫 Reserve on recreation.gov →
PeakScout availability data may be delayed — always verify on recreation.gov before making plans.
Amenities & Gear
👥 Capacity:
Up to 4 people
🛏️ Beds:2 beds + cots
🔥 Heating:Wood stove
🍳 Cooking:Propane stove (district provides)
💧 Water:Spring (treat all water)
🚽 Privy:
No — pack out
📞 Phone:
None — satellite recommended
🏗️ Structure:L-4 cab on steel tower (1951)
⚠️ Bring your own water unless a reliable source is confirmed with the ranger district. Most MT lookouts have no water or unreliable cisterns.
🐻 Wildlife
Black bear and mountain lion. Remote area — wildlife encounters common. Elk herds visible in fall migration.
ℹ️ Notes
Phone ahead to Moose Creek RD — very remote, no recreation.gov listing. Horse packing recommended for families/gear-heavy trips.
⛑️ Before you go
✅ Check road conditions with the ranger district 24–48h before departure ·
✅ Carry bear spray and know how to use it ·
✅ Pack all water (source at site may be unreliable) ·
✅ Leave a trip plan with someone not going ·
✅ Bring a satellite communicator — no cell service at this location ·
Read full liability disclaimer →