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
Sierra L
VerifiedDecember 26, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Wonderful Cross-country skiing experience!!
Sierra L
VerifiedDecember 26, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Wonderful Cross-country skiing experience!!
kate M
VerifiedOctober 15, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Get away by yourself, it is so good for your soul.
kate M
VerifiedOctober 15, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Get away by yourself, it is so good for your soul.
Charlie D
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Spectacular view, amazing location. Blowing snow in late Sept - well equipped cabin and previous guests + usfs have thoughtfully cared for it.
Charlie D
VerifiedOctober 6, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Spectacular view, amazing location. Blowing snow in late Sept - well equipped cabin and previous guests + usfs have thoughtfully cared for it.
Kristen K
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
The views are incredible! What a wonderful experience!
Kristen K
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
The views are incredible! What a wonderful experience!
Frances C
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Had a relaxing time with mostly obscured views due to fires but that was OK anyway. I served on this lookout nearly 40 years ago having then never experienced the wind like we had one night of our stay this time. Appreciate the log book and extra amenities such as lanterns and games. Enjoyed hiking the trails below the lookout to enjoy fall colors beginning. And yes, everyone mentions the friendly ground squirrel which fed from my hand & would have come in if allowed. Enjoyed improving the rocky walk-up by rearranging & stabilizing some of the rocks. Beware; one needs to have an agile body, good eyes (and flashlight if arriving after dark) to operate the keypad at the upper gate. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
Frances C
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2021 β’ Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Had a relaxing time with mostly obscured views due to fires but that was OK anyway. I served on this lookout nearly 40 years ago having then never experienced the wind like we had one night of our stay this time. Appreciate the log book and extra amenities such as lanterns and games. Enjoyed hiking the trails below the lookout to enjoy fall colors beginning. And yes, everyone mentions the friendly ground squirrel which fed from my hand & would have come in if allowed. Enjoyed improving the rocky walk-up by rearranging & stabilizing some of the rocks. Beware; one needs to have an agile body, good eyes (and flashlight if arriving after dark) to operate the keypad at the upper gate. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
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
