Skookum Butte Lookout

About

Skookum Butte Lookout is a rare surviving example of a 1928 L-5 log and frame fire lookout cabin, sitting dramatically atop a granite outcrop at 7,215 feet on the Idaho/Montana state line. Built during the early era of organized fire detection in the Northern Rockies, it served as an active fire lookout station until the early 1960s when it was decommissioned. The structure is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register and is one of only three remaining lookouts of its type in the region. The lookout is accessible via a moderately challenging hike on Trail #304 (a National Recreation Trail) from Elk Meadows Road (Forest Road 286). The hike is approximately 1-2 miles round trip with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. From the summit, visitors are rewarded with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Since 2019, the U.S. Forest Service and volunteers through the Passport in Time program have been conducting multi-phase restoration work on the historic structure. The lookout is open for day-use visitation but is not available for overnight camping or rental. There are no amenities at the site.

Directions

From US Highway 12 west of Lolo, Montana, turn south 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. High-clearance vehicle recommended.