West Fork Butte Lookout
Closed for the season. The lookout reopens June 1, 2026. Forest Road 37 gate is closed December 1 through April 30, requiring a 7.5-mile ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile approach during winter months. Reservations via Recreation.gov.
Air Quality Alert issued August 3 at 8:26AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Beaverhead, Sanders, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, Granite, Mineral, Sanders, and Missoula counties in effect until 9AM on 08/04/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 6AM on 08/03/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Lewistown, Libby, Missoula and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 6AM on 08/03/2026, particulate levels in Butte are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 6AM on 08/03/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Great Falls, Hamilton, Helena, Malta and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
West Fork Butte Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in a historic fire lookout tower situated on a rocky knob in the mountains south of Missoula, Montana. The 14-by-14-foot cabin provides near-360-degree views of Lolo Peak, the Bitterroot Mountains, and the Lolo Creek drainage, with the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass visible in the distance. The surrounding forest of lodgepole pine and larch is home to elk, moose, deer, and black bears. The lookout sleeps up to four guests on metal bunk beds with mattress pads. It's equipped with a propane cook stove and lantern, wood stove for heat, table and chairs, and basic kitchen utensils. A vault toilet is located outside. Guests must bring all drinking water, bedding, propane canisters, flashlights, toilet paper, and garbage bags. All trash and belongings must be packed out, and the facility must be cleaned before departure. Vehicle access via Forest Road 37 is typically available from May through November, though spring and fall conditions vary. From December 1 through April 30, the gate at the bottom of FR 37 is closed, requiring a 7.5-mile approach by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. The area offers hiking trails in summer and groomed snowmobile trails in winter, with fishing available in Lolo Creek.
Directions
From Lolo, Montana, drive 17 miles west on US Highway 12. Turn left (south) onto West Fork Butte Road (Forest Road 37) near Earl Tennant Campground. Follow FR 37 approximately 6.9 miles to the second junction. Take a sharp left turn and look for the West Fork Butte Lookout road sign and gate. A combination lock code is provided by the Missoula Ranger Station for the second gate. Follow the road 0.5 miles to the lookout.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 329-3814 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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