West Fork Butte Lookout
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Cedar Flats Dump Station · 69.6 mi
- Coordinates
- 46.7351, -114.4159
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
West Fork Butte Lookout is an ideal place for guests to experience the mountains south of Missoula from a unique vantage point. The facility provides near-360-degree views of the surrounding area. It is equipped with basic supplies and provides guests a base camp location from which to explore the area. Access by vehicle is available for a relatively short time during the summer months and is variable during the spring and fall. The gate at the bottom of Forest Road 37 is closed December 1 to April 30 each year and, guests will need to hike, ski or snowmobile roughly 7.5 miles to the facility. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.The lookout can sleep up to four people and is equipped with bunk beds and mattress pads. The lookout also has a table and chairs, a propane cook stove and lantern, as well as a wood stove for heat. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not always guaranteed call for availability, (406) 329-3814. A vault toilet is provided. Guests should bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding and towels, propane fuel canisters, flashlights, matches, lighters, garbage bags, toilet paper and cleaning supplies are not supplied at the facility. Guests are responsible for cleaning the lookout prior to departure.The 14x14-foot lookout cab is situated on a rocky knob with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Lolo Peak, the Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Creek drainage. The lookout is close to the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass. The surrounding forest is comprised primarily of lodgepole pine and larch. The area is home to elk, moose, deer and black bears.Hiking trails are available in the area. Visitors often bring cross-country skis or snowshoes for wintertime fun. Snowmobiles are often used to reach the lookout in the winter, and there is a system of groomed trails to explor
From the USFS.Official page
Is West Fork Butte Lookout free?
No. West Fork Butte Lookout charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to West Fork Butte Lookout?
From Lolo, Montana drive 17 miles west on U.S. Highway 12. Turn left (south) onto West Fork Butte Road # 37 (near the Earl Tennant Campground). Follow Forest Road #37 approximately 6.9 miles to the second junction. Take a sharp turn to the left (north). Look for the West Fork Butte Lookout road sign and gate. Follow the road to the lookout. Winter Access: The gate at the beginning of Forest Road #37 is closed during the winter and early spring to provide skiing and snowmobiling opportunities.
What are the rules at West Fork Butte Lookout?
No smoking, candles or pets are allowed in the lookout. From April 1 to December 1, all food and attractants must be secured from bears and other wildlife. All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils,
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
