West Fork Butte Lookout

Beautiful views! This is lookout number nine for me and the most "rustic" that didn't bother me a bit, but just be prepared if you're used to the more lavished lookouts. It would be a good idea to bring a sleeping pad, as the previous reviews mentioned. A family of packrats is living under the lookout and will talk all night long! Make sure to close up your personal belongings inside the lookout before bed because there will be fresh mouse poop on all the surfaces when you wake up. Most of the lookout windows remain boarded up, which is disappointing because it obstructs the 360 degrees views that are typical at a lookout. Lolo hot springs are nearby, and the town of Lolo is an hour's drive from the lookout. Check out the brewery if you want an excellent huckleberry beer! I had two visitors during my stay, but I'd expect more as the huckleberries are beginning to ripen around the lookout.

This was our 2nd visit in 3 years. Two sides of the lookout windows remain covered by plywood which was OK (keeps the cabin cooler). Especially being there in the early season we brought a mouse trap but didn't need to use it. Happy to see the new wood shed which contained lots of firewood still and a very good axe although we didn't use the wood stove. The cabin did not have any appropriate cleaning supplies for washing the very dirty windows. We did the best we could w/antiseptic wipes. For absolutely stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains of which only a few are visible from the lookout, a side drive to the Ward Lode mine site was stunning. An appropriate FS map is recommended. For older bodies the provided sleeping mats are really hard; recommend to bring cozier mats to place on top. Would also be helpful for someone to bring lock oil to lubricate the gate lock which is a nail breaker so difficult it is to turn the numbers. The lock on the cabin functions much better.

This was our 2nd visit in 3 years. Two sides of the lookout windows remain covered by plywood which was OK (keeps the cabin cooler). Especially being there in the early season we brought a mouse trap but didn't need to use it. Happy to see the new wood shed which contained lots of firewood still and a very good axe although we didn't use the wood stove. The cabin did not have any appropriate cleaning supplies for washing the very dirty windows. We did the best we could w/antiseptic wipes. For absolutely stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains of which only a few are visible from the lookout, a side drive to the Ward Lode mine site was stunning. An appropriate FS map is recommended. For older bodies the provided sleeping mats are really hard; recommend to bring cozier mats to place on top. Would also be helpful for someone to bring lock oil to lubricate the gate lock which is a nail breaker so difficult it is to turn the numbers. The lock on the cabin functions much better.

14x14 standard issue lookout, gas stove works, wood stoves keep the place warm.

14x14 standard issue lookout, gas stove works, wood stoves keep the place warm.

Wonderful spot for sunrises and sunsets! Well stocked with cooking and a few cleaning items. Wear good shoes/confident in mobility because I could see walking on the rocks to be difficult. Overall great experience!

Wonderful spot for sunrises and sunsets! Well stocked with cooking and a few cleaning items. Wear good shoes/confident in mobility because I could see walking on the rocks to be difficult. Overall great experience!

Gets a lot of visitors through the day because it's right on a hiking trail. Other than that it is well equipped and taken care of with some amazing views of the surrounding area. The sunsets and stars are also worth the trip.

Gets a lot of visitors through the day because it's right on a hiking trail. Other than that it is well equipped and taken care of with some amazing views of the surrounding area. The sunsets and stars are also worth the trip.

do not understand why 2.5 sides of the lookout windows are still blocked by wood decreasing the view. lookout is in great shape.