West Fork Butte Lookout

Shared by @public_lands (Public Lands)

Lolo National Forest

Cabin / lookout rental · USDA Forest Service · Lolo National Forest Fees: $55 per night. Visit Recreation.gov to make reservations. Season: March 31, 2025 Overview 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. From December 1 - May 1 Forest Road 37 is closed, requiring hiking, skiing or snowmobiling roughly 7.5 miles to the facility. Outside of these dates the road may be muddy, snowy or icy - guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Hiking trails are available in the area. Visitors often bring cross-country skis or snowshoes for wintertime fun. Snowmobiles are often used… Getting there: From Missoula, travel south on Highway 93 to Lolo. Turn onto Highway 12 and continue west for 17 miles, following Lolo Creek to Forest Road 37. Turn left onto Road 37, and cross the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek. . There are two gates along the route to the lookout. The first is located near the beginning of Forest Road 37 not far from the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek. This gate is open during the summer months, closed in the winter and variable during the spring and fall. The second gate… Rules: 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, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not always guaranteed. Phone: 406-329-3814 Official page: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234389 Source: Recreation.gov, USDA Forest Service. Fees and seasons change; check the official page before you go. Photos: US Forest Service