Diamond Butte Lookout

There are no cleaning supplies in the lookout so bring your own. They used to supply them but since the nice lady at the USFS office in Ashland retired a few years ago things have gone down hill.

There are no cleaning supplies in the lookout so bring your own. They used to supply them but since the nice lady at the USFS office in Ashland retired a few years ago things have gone down hill.

We had such an amazing experience at the lookout and it was such an awesome way to celebrate the new year! This place is where to go when you want to be in the middle of nowhere and not see anyone else for a couple days. The heater (super warm), fridge, stove/oven, and lanterns all worked great, just had to find the valve outside to get the propane flowing. The sunrises/sunsets are phenom and you can see stars you may have never seen before! Be ready for a hike to bring your gear up, we used a wagon and it helped a bunch!! Also, a Luggable Loo is a must if you don't want to walk down to the toilet in the middle of the night! We did some hiking and just enjoyed our time in this beautiful area of SE Montana!! We hope to make it a yearly tradition!!

We had such an amazing experience at the lookout and it was such an awesome way to celebrate the new year! This place is where to go when you want to be in the middle of nowhere and not see anyone else for a couple days. The heater (super warm), fridge, stove/oven, and lanterns all worked great, just had to find the valve outside to get the propane flowing. The sunrises/sunsets are phenom and you can see stars you may have never seen before! Be ready for a hike to bring your gear up, we used a wagon and it helped a bunch!! Also, a Luggable Loo is a must if you don't want to walk down to the toilet in the middle of the night! We did some hiking and just enjoyed our time in this beautiful area of SE Montana!! We hope to make it a yearly tradition!!

Our stay was during a sub-zero weather pattern. Propane heater keep the lookout very comfortable. Star gazing was tremendous. Tile floor was cold but did warm up after two days. Highly recommend a stay here.

Our stay was during a sub-zero weather pattern. Propane heater keep the lookout very comfortable. Star gazing was tremendous. Tile floor was cold but did warm up after two days. Highly recommend a stay here.

Great place to take in scenic views and some peace and quiet. Tower was in great shape. A very special place in a very sacred landscape.

Great place to take in scenic views and some peace and quiet. Tower was in great shape. A very special place in a very sacred landscape.

I have stayed at several lookouts before and this was the best experience I've had. The lookout was clean and well stocked with dishes and some food items. Everything was in good repair and I was surprised to see a futon with a comfortable mattress.
The road in from either side of the highway is about one hour of unpaved gravel and dirt. It is a slow climb to the lookout that has you questioning your directions, but it's correct and worth the trip. The road is well maintained, and features lots of cows grazing on farm properties nearby.
The gate that you park at is right below the lookout - about 150 ft. It is steep and washed out/uneven, although there is a cart in the basement to haul your things, it took two of us to keep it from tipping or falling over while moving - thankful for the cart, but if you are by yourself expect to make more trips.
I was able to leave behind a good stack of firewood, but if you are allowed a fire you will need to bring in your own wood. There aren't many fell branches or wood nearby that you can properly collect.
I picked up several piles of pet waste, please clean up after your pets. Pets being allowed in these facilities is a luxury, and this is why pet restrictions get put into place.
There was so much wildlife to enjoy - singing birds, deer, antelope, bats at nighttime and an amazing sunset/sunrise.
I hope to stay here again.

I have stayed at several lookouts before and this was the best experience I've had. The lookout was clean and well stocked with dishes and some food items. Everything was in good repair and I was surprised to see a futon with a comfortable mattress.
The road in from either side of the highway is about one hour of unpaved gravel and dirt. It is a slow climb to the lookout that has you questioning your directions, but it's correct and worth the trip. The road is well maintained, and features lots of cows grazing on farm properties nearby.
The gate that you park at is right below the lookout - about 150 ft. It is steep and washed out/uneven, although there is a cart in the basement to haul your things, it took two of us to keep it from tipping or falling over while moving - thankful for the cart, but if you are by yourself expect to make more trips.
I was able to leave behind a good stack of firewood, but if you are allowed a fire you will need to bring in your own wood. There aren't many fell branches or wood nearby that you can properly collect.
I picked up several piles of pet waste, please clean up after your pets. Pets being allowed in these facilities is a luxury, and this is why pet restrictions get put into place.
There was so much wildlife to enjoy - singing birds, deer, antelope, bats at nighttime and an amazing sunset/sunrise.
I hope to stay here again.