Diamond Butte Lookout Near Ashland, MT

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Reviews (63)
Location
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A view from inside Diamond Butte Lookout

About Diamond Butte Lookout

Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop a 30-foot masonry tower on Diamond Butte at an altitude of 4,245 feet in the Custer National Forest approximately 40 miles from Ashland, Montana. The lookout was moved from its original location of Yeager Butte in 1958 and was an active fire lookout until 2001. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This vantage point offers the chance to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and star gazing on clear nights. The lookout is accessible by car, but it is a 200-foot walk up a steep hill to the lookout from the parking area. Guests should be prepared to bring most of their own supplies and gear.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

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Currently closed - Opens on Sep 15

001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

Price not available

🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests

Surface: Gravel

Driveway entry: Back-In

Pet Friendly

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Reviews (63)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Diamond Butte Lookout offers a cozy and enjoyable experience, highlighted by stunning views of the Milky Way, sunsets, and abundant wildlife. The lookout is clean, well-stocked, and equipped with a complete propane package, enhancing comfort during varied weather conditions. While access involves a steep, uneven path and the need to bring cleaning supplies, the overall atmosphere and natural beauty make it a highly recommended destination for those seeking peace and solitude.

What Guests Are Saying

Review Summary

4.7

63 reviews

77.8%

15.9%

3.2%

0.0%

Barbara H

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

This lookout was very clean. The ranger was there when we arrived and was nice. The turn off at the main road wasn’t well marked but that is my only complaint. We have been visiting a couple of lookouts a year for a while and Diamond Butte and Minton Peak on this visit were the cleanest and most inviting of any so far. Wish they were all so well maintained.

Ian B

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

Very neat place, awesome views, a little work out getting everything up the hill but well worth it. Thunderstorms rocked all evening. Wished I could've stayed longer.

Barbara H

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT

Location Diamond Butte Lookout

Address:
Po Box 168 2378 Hwy 212
Ashland, MT, 59003
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 45.2492 / -105.933

Elevation: 1301 feet

Map of Diamond Butte Lookout location at Ashland, MT, United States

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Policies & Rules

General

There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing
Be bear aware: keep all food, trash and scented items stored inside the cabin
Guests must pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure
Learn more about the Custer National Forest
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.

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Whitetail Cabin sits at an altitude of 4,048 feet in the north end of the Custer National Forest approximately 20 miles from Ashland, Montana. The cabin was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Formerly a ranger station, it is n...

4.2 (24)