About Hornet Lookout Trail
Hornet Lookout Trail is a easy hiking trail near Polebridge in Flathead County, Idaho.. The surface is dirt. Managed by Flathead National Forest. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyDirt
Hornet Lookout Trail
Polebridge, Idaho · Flathead County · Flathead National Forest · 349
Hornet Lookout Trail is a easy hiking trail near Polebridge in Flathead County, Idaho.. The surface is dirt. Managed by Flathead National Forest. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Advertisement
48.88126, -114.50967
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Hornet Lookout Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Clear
56°/45°
🌬 21mph
↑ 6:13 AM ↓ 9:15 PM
Mon
Overcast
59°/39°
💧 2%🌬 11mph
↑ 6:14 AM ↓ 9:13 PM
Tue
Overcast
67°/41°
🌬 8mph
↑ 6:16 AM ↓ 9:12 PM
Wed
Overcast
74°/39°
🌬 6mph
↑ 6:17 AM ↓ 9:10 PM
Thu
Partly Cloudy
81°/45°
🌬 11mph
↑ 6:18 AM ↓ 9:09 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- Long-sleeve shirtSynthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- Light shell or windbreakerEven on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 21 mph).
- Hiking pants or convertibleLayer for variable conditions.
- Trail runners or low bootsComfortable, broken in.
- Layers for swingsDaily temp range is wide (42°F low → 67°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protection (UV 7)SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in Idaho
Trail conditions in Idaho change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
Other Trails Near Hornet Lookout Trail
Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.
Guides & rankings
More on hiking in Idaho
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Idaho, Ranked
Idaho's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
Idaho's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Idaho trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Idaho
Ten gentle, well-marked Idaho trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Idaho
Idaho's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Joshua EarleParks & Travel
The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Idaho
Federal parks and recreation areas in Idaho ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
Best Waterfall Hikes in Idaho: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Idaho's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.