Mountain · 2 routes

Observation Point

8,535 ft · Montana

Summit
8,535 ft
Routes
2 ways up
Season
Year-round

Routes up Observation Point

  1. Bar CreekHardabout 1,632 ft of climbing11.8 mi round tripSee the route
  2. Hobnail TomHardabout 2,085 ft of climbing12.0 mi round tripSee the route
Compare the routes
Bar CreekHobnail Tom
ClimbingAbout 1,632 ftAbout 2,085 ft
Round trip11.8 mi12.0 mi
DifficultyHardHard
TerrainHikeHike
SeasonYear-roundYear-round
Map of the 2 routes up Observation Point, with each route's start numbered and the summit marked
Bar CreekHobnail TomMap © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap contributors

About Observation Point

Observation Point is a summit in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness, within the Spotted Bear Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest. The nearest town is Packers, about 11 miles away. The closest trails are Hobnail Tom, about 3 miles away, and Bar Creek, about 4 miles away. Danaher Creek offers canoeing within 7 miles, and Wood Lake Campground is under 9 miles from the summit.

Forecast on Observation Point

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.

Questions about Observation Point

How tall is Observation Point?

8,535 ft (2,601 m).

How many routes go to the summit of Observation Point?

2: Bar Creek and Hobnail Tom.

What is the shortest route up Observation Point?

Bar Creek, about 11.8 mi round trip.

When is the best time to climb Observation Point?

Year-round.

Mountains nearby

More mountains in Montana

Facts about this place

Where it is

Nearest town
Packers, Montana · 11 mi

Source: Wilderness.net boundaries; USFS EDW boundaries; USGS GNIS populated places

Conditions

Active alerts for Flathead National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: USFS forest alerts

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)

Is Observation Point open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for Flathead National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Flathead National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.