West Fork Butte Lookout

Weather

• Labor Day

  Showers And Thunderstorms then Rain

  47° / 40°

  97%

• Tuesday

  Slight Chance Light Rain then Partly Sunny

  56° / 42°

  16%

• Wednesday

  Sunny

  66° / 48°

• Thursday

  Sunny

  65° / 47°

  4%

• Friday

  Slight Chance Light Rain

  60° / 43°

  22%

Source: National Weather Service

About

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 to reach the lookout in the winter, and there is a system of groomed trails to explore nearby. Fishing is available in Lolo Creek.Facilities 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.Natural Features The 14-by-14' lookout 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.

Nearby camping

Dispersed camping nearby

Free dispersed camping within 30 km, on public land.

• ROAD 451 MP 6 SITE

  Lolo, MT

  5.8 km

• ROAD 4292

  Lolo, MT

  6.5 km

• SOUTH FK LOLO CREEK 4328

  Lolo, MT

  6.5 km

• 461-5

  Lolo, MT

  7.0 km

• HOWARD CREEK 4398

  Lolo, MT

  7.1 km

• RD 451 MP 2 CAMPSITE

  Lolo, MT

  7.5 km

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