Double Arrow Lookout
The Double Arrow Lookout offers guests a chance to see the Seeley valley and the adjacent Swan Mountains from a different and unique vantage point, high above the hillside. The tower contains a few modern amenities, including electricity, but allows guests to personalize their visits with their own supplies. A variety of recreational opportunities exist in the surrounding mountains, but the view is usually what attracts people to the tower.
The lookout is a 14-by-14 structure atop a 20 foot tower. It was built in 1933 and staffed by Forest Service employees until the mid-80s, when it was opened to the public for recreation purposes. The tower is now listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
View the site through the interactive map.
Double Arrow Lookout
Photo of the Double Arrow Lookout tower on the Lolo National Forest, Montana. (USDA Forest Service Photo)
Reservations
Reservations Required through Recreation.gov.
General Information
Double Arrow has an exterior stairway leading to a platform with a covered walkway all the way around the window-encased living quarters. The facility has electric lights, heat, a cook stove and a small refrigerator. An outdoor vault toilet is a short distance from the tower.
Two single beds and two portable cots are provided, able to sleep up to four people. Camping and sleeping are not allowed in the area around and below the lookout. Cell phone service is available in the area.
Guests must furnish everything they need in the way of bedding, cooking and eating equipment and cleaning supplies. Guests will also need to bring their own food, towels, soap, garbage bags and toilet paper, among other supplies deemed necessary. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving.
Open May 22, 2026 - September 8, 2026
Please visit the Forest's Alerts page for information on restrictions, in particular please review the Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order to help reduce the likelihood of human-to-bear conflicts.
No tents. No smoking and no candles in the cabin.
Address: 3583 Highway 83 North Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Phone: 406-677-2233
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.164922
Longitude: -113.531167
Directions
In the town of Seeley Lake, turn west on Riverview Drive halfway between MM 13 & 14. Drive straight on the paved road for 0.6 mile, where you will cross over the Clearwater River. Continue on the same road another 0.6 mile where the road will split, stay straight (do not go right). The road will narrow, become more rocky and rough. Proceed almost 1 mile where you will make a right turn. After another 0.2 mile, make another right turn. Go another 0.2 mile and turn right again on Forest Road 696. Continue 1 mile where you will come to the lookout gate. Proceed through the gate (using the gate combination number) and in 0.1 mile you will be at the lookout.
Travel Considerations
Access road is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles.
Parking
Parking available for two single vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The lookout can be accessed by vehicle, however, the steep dirt and gravel road requires high-clearance vehicles. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Water is not available at the facility. Please pack in all the water you will need for drinking, cooking, cleaning, etc.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
