Cabin or lookout
West Fork Butte Lookout
The 14x14-foot lookout cab is situated on a rocky knob with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Lolo Peak, the Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Creek drainage. The lookout is close to the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass.
Listed under Hiking trails · River access & fishing · Cabins & lookouts · Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing · Wildlife & bird watching
About this place
The 14x14-foot lookout cab is situated on a rocky knob with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Lolo Peak, the Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Creek drainage. The lookout is close to the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass. The surrounding forest is comprised primarily of lodgepole pine and larch. The area is home to elk, moose, deer and black bears.
Practical information
- Town
- Other towns
- Arrival
- From Lolo, Montana drive 17 miles west on U.S. Highway 12. Turn left (south) onto West Fork Butte Road # 37 (near the Earl Tennant Campground). Follow Forest Road #37 approximately 6.9 miles to the second junction. Take a sharp turn to the left (north). Look for the West Fork Butte Lookout road sign and gate. Follow the road to the lookout.
- Parking
- Gravel driveway; maximum 2 vehicles.
- Distance
- 7.5 miles
- Fees
- Overnight Use: $55 per night
- Hours
- Open June 1- March 31. Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 12 p.m.
- Dogs
- Pets are not allowed in this facility or on the property
- Use rules
- Group size limit: 4. No camping. No campfires. The lookout remains locked. Upon reservation renters will receive gate and cabin combination codes via email.
- Managed by
- Federal agency
- Phone
- 406-329-3814
Activities
- Hiking
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
- Mountain biking
Amenities
- Restroom
Sources
- from fs.usda.gov/r01/lolo/recreation/west-fork-butte-lookout updated
- from recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234389 updated
- from recreation.gov/camping/campsites/89336 updated