🧯 Scapegoat Mountain Lookout
Lewis and Clark National Forest · Rocky Mountain Ranger District
Opens in ~2 months
🏛️ Historic structure 1960
🏔️ 9,200 ft
Heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Surrounded by Chinese Wall escarpment and Scapegoat Wilderness. Few Montana experiences compare.
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Based on season, weather, wind, and snow. Scores update every 30 minutes.
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Access
🥾 Hike-in required
7.00 mi · 3,500 ft gain
🛣️ Access road
Alice Creek trailhead, 7-mile hike into Bob Marshall Wilderness
📅 Season
July 15 – September 15
Road distance from town: ~0.0 mi unpaved
Booking
Contact Rocky Mountain Ranger District (406-466-5341) for reservations.
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 2 people
🛏️ Beds:2 cots
🔥 Heating:Wood stove
🍳 Cooking:Propane backpacking (bring own)
💧 Water:Snow melt/spring (treat all water)
🚽 Privy:
No — pack out
📞 Phone:
None — satellite recommended
🏗️ Structure:L-4 cab on 30-foot steel tower (1960)
⚠️ Bring your own water unless a reliable source is confirmed with the ranger district. Most MT lookouts have no water or unreliable cisterns.
🐻 Wildlife
One of the densest grizzly bear areas in the lower 48. Wolf packs active. Elk and bighorn sheep abundant. Treat this as true bear country.
ℹ️ Notes
Wilderness rules apply — no motorized equipment. Pack out all waste. Horse camping available at nearby sites. Permit may be required for Bob Marshall zone.
⛑️ 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 ·
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