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
Frances C
VerifiedJune 15, 2023 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE 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.
Frances C
VerifiedJune 15, 2023 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE 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.
Martin J
VerifiedDecember 31, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
14x14 standard issue lookout, gas stove works, wood stoves keep the place warm.
Martin J
VerifiedDecember 31, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
14x14 standard issue lookout, gas stove works, wood stoves keep the place warm.
Patrick B
VerifiedOctober 13, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
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!
Patrick B
VerifiedOctober 13, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
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!
Dwayne M
VerifiedJune 30, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
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.
Dwayne M
VerifiedJune 30, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
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.
Richard S
VerifiedJune 20, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
do not understand why 2.5 sides of the lookout windows are still blocked by wood decreasing the view. lookout is in great shape.
Richard S
VerifiedJune 20, 2022 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
do not understand why 2.5 sides of the lookout windows are still blocked by wood decreasing the view. lookout is in great shape.
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
