Facility Details - WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT, MT

Overview

West Fork Butte Lookout is an ideal place for guests to experience the mountains of southern Missoula from a unique vantage point. The facility provides near-360-degree views of the surrounding area. It is equipped with basic supplies and provides guests a base camp location by which to explore the area.

Access to the lookout is variable during the spring and fall. Guests may have to hike, ski or snowmobile about 8 miles to the facility. Summer availability is relatively short, depending on the fire season. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The 14-by-14' lookout is situated on a rocky knob with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including the back of Lolo Peak, the opposing Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Creek drainage. It is close to the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass.

The surrounding forest contains a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears. Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of ducks.

Recreation:

Hiking trails are available in the area. Visitors often bring cross-country skis or snowshoes for wintertime fun. Snowmobiles are often used to reach the lookout in the winter, but there are also many adjacent roads to explore while staying at the cabin.

Fishing is available in nearby Lolo Creek. The area is popular for trout and mountain whitefish. The creek is a short hike from the lookout.

Facilities:

The lookout can sleep up to four people and is equipped with metal bunkbeds and mattress pads. It also has a table and chairs, a propane cook stove, basic cooking and eating utensils and some pots and pans, as well as a wood stove for heat. Firewood can be gathered in the area surrounding the facility, but is not always available. A vault toilet is provided.

Guests should bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding and towels, propane fuel canisters, flashlights, lanterns, matches, lighters, garbage bags, toilet paper and cleaning supplies are not supplied at the facility. The lookout will need to be cleaned before leaving.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) Birding Broom & Dust Pan Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Cross Country Skiing Firewood Hiking Mattress Pad(s)	Mountain Biking Propane Lantern (Fuel not provided) Propane Lights Propane Stove Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Table & Chairs Trailheads Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

Renters must contact the Missoula Ranger District office at 406-329-3814 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm) to receive the combination to the lookout.
Firewood can be limited; conserve wood or bring your own
This facility is located in a remote area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety, including avalanche danger
The lookout remains locked; a week before your scheduled arrival, contact the Missoula Ranger District during office hours to obtain a key code
All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out
Pets are not allowed at this facility
Learn more about the Lolo National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
46.73361, -114.40028
46°44'1"N, 114°24'1"W

From Missoula, travel south on Highway 93 to Lolo. Turn onto Highway 12 and continue west for 17 miles, following Lolo Creek to Earl Tenant Campground. Turn left onto West Fork Butte Road. Cross the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek and turn right. Follow Forest Road 37 for approximately 7 miles to the second intersection. Turn a sharp left and travel through the gate. Follow the road to the lookout.

The gate at Forest Road 37 is closed during the winter and early spring to provide skiing and snowmobiling opportunities. Visitors can park at the parking area, which is 100 feet west of the campground, and follow the route to the cabin. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Missoula Ranger District.