West Fork Butte Lookout

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.