Skookum Butte Lookout

Open — The lookout is accessible during summer and fall months. Elk Meadows Road is closed to vehicle traffic in winter for snowmobile use, making winter access difficult or impossible without over-snow travel.

About

Skookum Butte Lookout is a historically significant fire lookout constructed in 1928, representing one of only three remaining L-5 log/frame ground houses in Montana and Northern Idaho. Located at 7,215 feet on the Montana-Idaho border southeast of Lolo Pass, the lookout sits atop a dramatic granite outcrop and provides spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest to the southwest and the Lolo National Forest to the northeast. The lookout has been restored by the Region 1 Historic Preservation Team and volunteers, preserving this piece of firefighting history for future generations. While the lookout is no longer staffed for fire detection, it remains a popular hiking destination. Access requires driving approximately 9 miles on Elk Meadows Road (Forest Road 286), followed by a moderately challenging 2-mile round-trip hike on Trail #304, a National Recreation Trail, with approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail passes through dense subalpine fir and spruce forest with some sections traversing old timber harvest areas. The lookout itself is not available for overnight rental and serves primarily as a historic structure and viewpoint. Visitors can camp at the base of Skookum Butte in primitive conditions. The area is prime moose habitat and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Directions

From US Highway 12 west of Lolo, Montana, turn onto Elk Meadows Road (Forest Road 286). Drive approximately 9 miles on dirt road to the trailhead near the Montana-Idaho border. Hike Trail #304 (National Recreation Trail) approximately 1 mile to the lookout, gaining about 1,000 feet of elevation.

Nearby Campgrounds