Montana has been home to more than 650 fire lookouts, and today 135 of them remain standing. Many of these towers were built in the early and mid-20th century by the United States Forest Service and other agencies to detect wildfires across the state’s vast forests and rugged mountain ranges. Positioned on high peaks throughout the Bitterroot Range, the Cabinet Mountains, and the Rocky Mountain Front, lookout observers scanned the horizon for smoke and relayed fire reports by telephone or radio. Although modern fire detection now relies heavily on aircraft, satellites, and remote cameras, several historic lookouts remain staffed or preserved today. These surviving structures offer a glimpse into Montana’s wildfire history and often provide sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.

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