About West Fork Butte Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Hiking
Skiing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (78)
What Guests Are Saying
West Fork Butte Lookout offers an exceptional experience with breathtaking views, well-equipped accommodations, and a cozy atmosphere. Access is straightforward, although winter conditions may require planning for snowmobiles or skis. Guests appreciate the kid-friendly design, clean facilities, and the overall sense of adventure, making it a highly recommended destination.
What Guests Are Saying
West Fork Butte Lookout offers an exceptional experience with breathtaking views, well-equipped accommodations, and a cozy atmosphere. Access is straightforward, although winter conditions may require planning for snowmobiles or skis. Guests appreciate the kid-friendly design, clean facilities, and the overall sense of adventure, making it a highly recommended destination.
Review Summary
Jill H
VerifiedAugust 1, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
This was our favorite lookout experience so far. The road up was great, good directions and easy access, behind a locked gate which I appreciated as a single mom up with my kids. It was super well equipped with pots, pans, percolator coffee maker, coffee cups, and more. Loved having the propane stove and cooktop and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Views were amazing. Huckleberry picking was perfection. Outhouse was nice. Zero complaints, would absolutely go back to this one!
Jill H
VerifiedAugust 1, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
This was our favorite lookout experience so far. The road up was great, good directions and easy access, behind a locked gate which I appreciated as a single mom up with my kids. It was super well equipped with pots, pans, percolator coffee maker, coffee cups, and more. Loved having the propane stove and cooktop and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Views were amazing. Huckleberry picking was perfection. Outhouse was nice. Zero complaints, would absolutely go back to this one!
Claire D
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
This lookout is absolutely breathtaking when the clouds disappear. Went in the peak of winter with XC skiis, definitely a skill based thing on whether skiing is gonna be faster than just hiking though. Will definitely want a snowmobile next time, the 7 mile hike makes the shelter way worth it! Don't expect it to be a hop skip and a jump but it's still a gradual incline for the most part. It was windy at the top but the wood stove keeps it toasty in the cabin. Great AT&T service, great views, can't wait to go back!
Claire D
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2025 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
This lookout is absolutely breathtaking when the clouds disappear. Went in the peak of winter with XC skiis, definitely a skill based thing on whether skiing is gonna be faster than just hiking though. Will definitely want a snowmobile next time, the 7 mile hike makes the shelter way worth it! Don't expect it to be a hop skip and a jump but it's still a gradual incline for the most part. It was windy at the top but the wood stove keeps it toasty in the cabin. Great AT&T service, great views, can't wait to go back!
Anne E
VerifiedDecember 18, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Cabin is great, albeit hard to get to without a snowmobile. Well appointed and amazing views!
Our sled broke down at the top and we had to cross country ski back down. Itβs a doable snow shoe or XC ski, but definitely requires some planning and time (plan for 2.5-3 hours to get up by foot in the snow).
Anne E
VerifiedDecember 18, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Cabin is great, albeit hard to get to without a snowmobile. Well appointed and amazing views!
Our sled broke down at the top and we had to cross country ski back down. Itβs a doable snow shoe or XC ski, but definitely requires some planning and time (plan for 2.5-3 hours to get up by foot in the snow).
Jose C
VerifiedDecember 3, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Even though it was a mild fall, there was plenty of packed/icy snow in November which made the drive down a bit treacherous (even with chains). The cabin was clean but, drafty when the wind picked up. The wood stove has been downsized since our stay over a decade ago so, it took a lot of wood to warm up the cabin in freezing temperatures. We had to add wood every 3-4 hours through the night. The solar lighting in the cabin is a nice addition and the stove was handy for cooking real meals as opposed to the dehydrated foods. Great views of the Bitterroot range. Overall, it was a fun stay in the cabin with good memories.
Jose C
VerifiedDecember 3, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Even though it was a mild fall, there was plenty of packed/icy snow in November which made the drive down a bit treacherous (even with chains). The cabin was clean but, drafty when the wind picked up. The wood stove has been downsized since our stay over a decade ago so, it took a lot of wood to warm up the cabin in freezing temperatures. We had to add wood every 3-4 hours through the night. The solar lighting in the cabin is a nice addition and the stove was handy for cooking real meals as opposed to the dehydrated foods. Great views of the Bitterroot range. Overall, it was a fun stay in the cabin with good memories.
Liz G
VerifiedNovember 29, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Lovely, cozy, delightfuk
Liz G
VerifiedNovember 29, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Lovely, cozy, delightfuk
Location West Fork Butte Lookout
Address:
24 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT, 59804
United States
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 is located roughly 7 miles from the intersection of Forest Road 37 and Highway 12. This gate is always closed and has a lock with the same combination as the lookout. After crossing the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek, continue past the old buildings. The road turns sharply to the left and begins to climb out of the drainage bottom. The first gate is located just after the road turns to the left. Follow Forest Road 37 for approximately 7 miles to the second intersection. Turn a sharp left, open the locked gate using the combination provided by the Missoula Ranger Station and travel through . Close the gate behind you and follow the road a half mile to the lookout.
During the winter and early spring months the gate near the beginning of Forest Road 37 is closed and locked to provide skiing and snowmobiling opportunities and to protect roadbed surfaces during spring break-up conditions. When the gate is locked, visitors can park at the parking area below the gate, and follow the route via snowmobile, skis or foot 7.5 miles to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Missoula Ranger District.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.7336 / -114.4
Elevation: 1617 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- The lookout is locked; codes for access will be emailed to renters.
- West Fork Butte Road is closed from December 1 to April 30; access requires winter travel methods during this time.
Site capacity
- The maximum group size allowed is 4 people.
Site types & loops
- Camping is not allowed at this facility.
Fires & fuel
- Campfires are not allowed at this facility.
- Firewood may be limited; please conserve while staying.
- Do not transport firewood; obtain it locally to prevent pests.
Pets
- Pets are prohibited on the property.
Wildlife & food storage
- Food and attractants must be secured from wildlife from March 1 to December 31.
Safety & rules
- Familiarize yourself with safety issues, including bears and weather hazards, before reserving.
- Pack out all garbage, food, and personal items after your stay.
Amenities
- Amenities like cleaning supplies and cookware may be available, but not guaranteed; check before your stay.
General
- Learn more about the Lolo National Forest
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
