Link to article in the Flathead Beacon:
http://flatheadbeacon.com/2017/10/31/fl ... increases/
wow, that was quite the trek!indiana hiker wrote:Joybird,Since you brought up lookouts, I thought I would share my stay in lookouts in 2015. It took a lot of planning, more driving than I normally like on vacation and extra baggage due to taking sleeping bags. Due to the extra baggage we flew into Spokane. From there we headed to Eureka MT and stayed in Webb Mt. lookout ($35). Loved this lookout but we could see wildfires to the north and knew at some point the fires might affect our trip. Headed to Glacier for a few nights (hotel) and then Hornet Lookout ($20). Then south to Big Fork and Mission Lookout ($25). We really didn't like this lookout too much due to it being on a 40 ft tower. We knew this when we booked but wanted something in that area. Then south to Missoula area and West Fork Butte Lookout ($30). The next night we had Cougar Lookout reserved but by then the smoke had really thickened and we decided to pass. I did call and cancel (had cell service at West Fork!), too late for a refund, but wanted to free the night just in case someone else wanted it. I really wanted to stay at Cougar but considering the drive to get to it and the smoke, just didn't think it would be worth it. At West Fork you couldn't see anything but smoke. It took a lot of planning to get all the nights we needed. We did a big circle drive and it was really fun. I think each lookout also charged a $10 reservation fee. I agree with you about the increase. While Webb Mt. was great for $35, would I feel the same for $70? Maybe, but I probably wouldn't do it more than once.
Wow. Sounds like it was quite an itinerary! Good for you!indiana hiker wrote:Joybird,Since you brought up lookouts, I thought I would share my stay in lookouts in 2015.