Recreation Region: Plains/Thompson Falls Area

Big Hole Lookout Trail

With beautiful mature lodge pole forest, amazing views and abundant wildlife, this is a hiker’s paradise. Visit this trail at just the right time in early summer and you will be treated to the Dr. Seuss-like spectacle of bear grass in bloom. The moderate trail to the lookout is just over 2.5 miles and is suitable for stock. There are several trail loop opportunities. The Big Hole Lookout was recently renovated and is available to rent overnight.

View this trail on the interactive map.

Big Hole Trail Photos

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

368

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

No water.

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.

Photo of the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger Station in Plains, Montana on an early spring day.

Address: 408 Clayton Plains, MT 59859
Phone: 406-826-3821
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Parking

Use the Big Hole Trailhead in gravel pit.

Directions

From Plains, Montana travel northwest on Highway 200 for approximately 7.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887). From Thompson Falls, Montana travel southeast on Highway 200 for approximately 17.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887). Turn north onto Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887) and travel approximately 3 miles to Big Hole Road (FR 5587) and turn left. Travel the Big Hole Road for approximately 10 miles to the Big Hole Trailhead.