Closed
Currently closed indefinitely. Facility engineers determined the lookout structure is unsound due to structural deficiencies in the tower. The tower and surrounding area are closed to the public until repairs can be completed.
About
Lookout Butte has a history spanning nearly 80 years and three successive towers. The original 45-foot platform was built in 1923, followed by a 50-foot tower in 1935, and the current 60-foot wooden tower constructed in 1962. Standing at 5,869 feet, the lookout offers sweeping views of the Selway Crags in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Seven Devils Mountain Range, Coolwater Ridge, Pilot Knob Lookout, and the Lochsa and Selway River drainages.
The single-room cabin sleeps up to four people and is equipped with two twin beds with foam mattresses, two cots, a propane stove and oven, a table and chairs, and basic cleaning supplies. A vault toilet is located downhill to the south, and a campfire ring sits near the tower base. No potable water or electricity is available; guests must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash.
Access requires a high-clearance vehicle for the final stretch of mountain road, and trailers are not recommended. Small children are discouraged due to the inherent dangers of the tower height.
Directions
From Highway 12 at Lowell, Idaho (Milepost 97), cross the Selway Bridge and drive 3.5 miles to the Swiftwater Bridge on the right. Cross and follow signs 13 miles (approximately one hour) to the lookout. Alternatively, travel 6.5 miles upriver from the Selway Bridge, cross the O'Hara Bridge on the right, and follow signs for about one hour. High-clearance vehicle required for the final half mile; trailers not recommended.