Warning
GeneralLookout Butte lookout is currently closed due to the discovery of structural deficiencies in the tower. For public safety, the tower and surrounding area are closed to the public until repairs can be completed.
About Lookout Butte Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
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Reviews (12)
What Guests Are Saying
Lookout Butte Lookout offers stunning views, especially of the Milky Way when smoke clears. Visitors should be ready for a challenging stair climb and should note that there are no cots available. The peaceful atmosphere and good road access enhance the overall experience, despite the absence of amenities.
What Guests Are Saying
Lookout Butte Lookout offers stunning views, especially of the Milky Way when smoke clears. Visitors should be ready for a challenging stair climb and should note that there are no cots available. The peaceful atmosphere and good road access enhance the overall experience, despite the absence of amenities.
Review Summary
Scott M
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: LB1, Loop: LOOKOUT BUTTE LOOKOUT
Once in a lifetime experience!
Thomas P
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: LB1, Loop: LOOKOUT BUTTE LOOKOUT
Enjoyed time on the Selway before going to the lookout. Had great weather, excellent bird watching and the huckleberries were plentiful. The views and night skies were spectacular, the only thing that would have made it better would have been a lightening storm.
Location Lookout Butte Lookout
Address:
Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd
Kooskia, ID, 83539
United States
Travel to Lowell, Idaho, located approximately midway between Lewiston, Idaho and Missoula, Montana on Highway 12, milepost 97. Cross the Selway Bridge, drive 3.5 miles and cross the Swiftwater Bridge on your right. Follow the signs 13 miles for about 1 hour to the lookout.
Alternative Route
From Hwy 12, cross the middle fork of the Clearwater River at the bridge above Kooskia (MP 74) turn left onto paved County Road 1842, towards the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, pass the fish hatchery approximately, 3.5 miles stay to the left on County Route 286 for approximately 5 miles when it will convert from County Road to Forest Road 286 and turn into a gravel road. Follow Forest Road 286 for an additional 8 miles where Forest Road #470 joins from the left. Stay right on #286 for approximately 1.5 miles to the junction of Road #286 w/ Forest Road #1129 and take a left onto #1129. Travel approximately 1.3 miles and the spur road to Lookout Butte Lookout is signed and to the right. It is about 1/8th of a mile up the lookout from the main road. This last segment is a rough, outsloped, native surface road that requires high clearance to reach Lookout Butte Lookout Tower.
Latitude & Longitude: 45.4893 / -115.875
Elevation: 2039 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Guests will recieve lock combination in confirmation email after reservation is complete, make sure to have this with you before going to the lookout as cell service is not reliable |
| General |
Guests are discouraged from bringing small children due to the dangers that exist on towers of this height; use caution with pets |
| General |
Access to lookout requires a vehicle with high ground clearance for the last half mile; trailers are not recommended |
| General |
Most lookouts have occasional visits from Forest Service employees or members of the public who want to look at the views from the catwalk or use the pit toilet; the public is allowed at this site. |
| General |
Be sure to lock the cabin if you leave for the day. |
| General |
Cell phone coverage is unreliable. |
| General |
This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility. |
| General |
No livestock allowed at the lookout site. |
| General |
Please stay inside cabin during lightning activity or high winds. |
| General |
Click here for more information about Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralLookout Butte lookout is currently closed due to the discovery of structural deficiencies in the tower. For public safety, the tower and surrounding area are closed to the public until repairs can be completed.
