Diamond Butte Lookout/Cabin
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Burgess Rv Dump Station · 84.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 45.2492, -105.9328
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop 30 foot masonry tower to take in the view of the surrounding countryside. The lookout is furnished with a table, chair and 3 beds with mattresses. No electricity and no water. Propane cook stove with oven, propane lights, propane heater and a few cooking and eating utensils. Accessibility: Road does not go directly to lookout - hike 200 feet up a steep hill to reach lookout. There is a wagon in the basement to help haul gear. No garbage service - pack it in, pack it out. Please store food, coolers and garbage in the lookout. The Forest Service does not provide cleaning services or garbage removal for this cabin. Cleaning and trash removal is each renters responsibility and your efforts are appreciated in keeping the lookout clean for the next user. Note: Lookout is closed June - September, and is used as an active fire lookout for the Ashland Ranger District.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Diamond Butte Lookout/Cabin free?
No. Diamond Butte Lookout/Cabin charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Diamond Butte Lookout/Cabin?
From Ashland, MT travel east on Hwy 212 for approximately 3 miles. Turn right on Otter Creek Road (Hwy 484) and travel 20 miles south. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn left onto Taylor Creek Road and travel east 12 miles to Sonnette Divide Road. Turn left on Sonnette Divide Road, travel north for 2 miles and turn right on the Diamond Butte Lookout Road (Forest Trail 4001). Travel 1 mile to the gate. Hike 200 feet up steep hill to lookout.
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.
