Flag Point Lookout stands at about 5,650 feet on Flag Point Butte, surrounded by the Badger Creek Wilderness on the Barlow Ranger District. Besides being a rental, it still helps the district spot fires. The 1973 cab sits on a 40-foot tower ringed by a catwalk, with a bed, wood stove, propane oven, table and chairs, and cooking gear.
Winter trips mean skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling up to 10 miles from Billy Bob Sno-Park, so it suits people with real backcountry experience. Bring all your water and bedding, and pack out your trash. The tower can sway in strong wind and the steps ice up, so keep a close eye on kids and pets.
Photos
Things to do
- Viewing
- Wildlife viewing
- Picnicking
From the Forest Service
Good to know
No smoking
Pets are welcome
A recreation pass is required to park at Billy Bob Sno-park
Amenities
Bed
Cooking pots & utensils
Firewood
Outhouse
Propane oven
Wood stove
Table & chairs
More details about amenities are listed on Recreation.gov.
Warning
Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Visitors should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills. The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets. The steps and catwalk can become quite slippery due to rain, snow and ice, and the tower may sway in strong winds.
During the winter, Flag Point Lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing up to 10 miles from the parking area at Billy Bob Sno-Park. This lookout is only recommended for people experienced in backcountry travel and survival skills.
Reservations
Visit Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 to make a reservation up to 6 months in advance.
The maximum length of stay is 7 consecutive nights with a maximum capacity of four occupants.
Fire lookouts are popular and reservations are booked quickly. If you weren't able to make a reservation, consider setting availability alerts on Recreation.gov in case someone cancels their reservation. To set availability alert: Sign in on Recreation.gov, go to the recreation site, and click on the bell under the "Campsite List" tab.
Rules and restrictions
You cannot drive your vehicle to this site, unless it's a snowmobile. Forest Road 44 closes to cars and trucks seasonally.
Smoking is not allowed in the lookout tower.
All fees
Overnight Use:
$50 per night
$5 per vehicle day required at Billy Bob Sno-Park
Passes and permits
Recreation Passes required to park at Billy Bob Sno-Park.
Season details
November 1 - May 31