McCart Lookout

in Bitterroot National Forest

The numbers that decide it

Longest rig
Not published
Sites
1
Electric hookups
Not published
Pull-through sites
Not published
Paved access
Not published
Accessible sites
Not published
Driveway grade
Not published
Bear boxes
Not published
Campfires
Not published
Shade
Not published
Group sites
Not published

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

McCart Lookout

McCart Lookout is a historic L4 lookout located on McCart Peak east of Sula, MT. This lookout has been restored to reflect a lookout of the 1940’s. This includes the stove, furniture, dishes, and other small touches. It is poised on the edge of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness and offers beautiful views of the Pintler Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Mountains to the west. The lookout is one room with a bed platform suitable for two people however the lookout could accommodate two more individuals on the floor. The lookout measures 14’ x 14’ with a 30 inch catwalk around the outside. There is a wood stove for heat. You may have to saw your own wood from down and dead material found nearby. A bow saw and ax are provided. A two burner propane camp stove is provided, but you will have to provide your own propane canisters. Basic pots, pans, and dishes, along with utensils for cooking and eating are provided. Water is not. A Coleman lantern is provided. Propane to operate it is not. A wooden outhouse serves the lookout. You will need to bring your own toilet paper.

Before you go

Season

Mid to end of May

Reservations

Reservations accepted

Fees

$30/night. Call the Darby/Sula Ranger Station at (406)821-3913 for the current combination for the lock on the door, a week in advance of your arrival.

Hours

Check in is at 2:00 p.m. and check out is at 12:00 p.m.

Restrictions

Limit of 4 people. Snowmobiles, ATV’s and mountain bikes are not permitted on the Johnson Peak Trail # 435.

Scenic drives that pass close

Make it a night on a better road

Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.