As the U.S. Forest Service was developing a fire detection system on the Kootenai National Forest in the northwestern corner of Montana, Big Creek Baldy was an obvious location. The first structure was a log cabin built in 1929 which is still there (in need of repair). It was supplemented with a 30' wood tower with small 7' x 7' cab in 1934 to get a better view, and in 1966 a higher 41' timber live-in tower with 15' x 15' flattop cab was built. The lookout is available in the rental program.