NORTHWEST MONTANA FIRE LOOKOUTS

A Hiking Guide

By Steve Rains

This 160-page soft cover guidebook is issued in 6 by 9-inch format and was written for anyone who loves hiking in the wilds of Northwest Montana. The book features detailed descriptions of how to find 30 fire lookouts in six of Northwest Montana's mountain ranges and Glacier National Park. Featured mountain ranges include the Cabinets, Flathead, Mission, Salish, Swans, and Whitefish.

Many of the lookouts are still being used for their intended purpose. Some are still standing but no longer used, and unfortunately, some are in varying states of disrepair, including total collapse. Several can be rented by the public.

The book features over 250 full-color photographs. A brief historical overview, a section on bear safety, and a wildlife photo gallery are also included in the book.

The routes to the great majority of the featured lookouts are trail and Forest Service Road hikes, making them accessible to virtually everyone, young and old. Some can even be driven to.

Rains believes these structures still have significant value, even the ones in disrepair. Hiking to these destinations is a great way to connect with Montana's past. They represent hours upon hours of hard work and sacrifice by many people, and are a part of the fabric of Montana.

Rains, an avid hiker, has logged over 1000 miles and over 130 summits in the various mountain ranges of Northwest Montana over the past several years. When not working his retail day job in the Flathead Valley, he escapes to the mountains as often and for as long as possible.

ISBN 978-0-9889480-0-6 Northwest Montana Fire Lookouts: A Hiking Guide -- $19.95