Hornet Lookout

Hornet Lookout provides guests with astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain, including Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake on clear days. On some nights, the Northern Lights may be seen from the lookout. Access requires a one-mile hike from the trailhead at the parking area. The two-story lookout sits at ground level. The ground floor provides living space for two guests, and the second story is a small loft used solely for full views of the region. Its rustic accommodations include a propane cook stove, a propane lantern, two cots and a small wood stove for heat. A pit toilet is provided outside. Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required. No water is available, so guests should pack their own bedding, water, first aid kit and food, among other necessities. Hiking and mountain biking on the gravel roads and trails are among the activities available in the area, and viewing wildlife is another rewarding pastime. The scenic lookout is perched atop Hornet Peak at an elevation of 6,744 feet; nearby peaks include Wedge Mountain and Akinkoka Peak. It was built in 1922 and, in its prime, played an integral role in detecting forest fires in the North Fork area. A 2003 wildfire charred the surrounding country, but wildflowers and bear grass are making a comeback. The Glacier View Ranger District is bordered on the east by the North Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park; to the north is Canada and to the west Montana's Kootenai National Forest.