About West Fork Butte Lookout
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Skiing
Year-round
Hiking
Winter
Skiing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
Connectivity and Media
- Cell Reception
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Cabin Interior
- Toilet Type
- Sleeping Capacity
- Kitchen
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
- 4 guests
Site Details
Reviews (79)
What Guests Are Saying
West Fork Butte Lookout offers breathtaking views and a well-equipped cabin, making it a favorite among visitors. Recent improvements, including a new camp table and ample firewood, enhance the experience. The road access is easy, though winter conditions may require planning; overall, guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere and kid-friendly features.
What Guests Are Saying
West Fork Butte Lookout offers breathtaking views and a well-equipped cabin, making it a favorite among visitors. Recent improvements, including a new camp table and ample firewood, enhance the experience. The road access is easy, though winter conditions may require planning; overall, guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere and kid-friendly features.
Review Summary
Frances C
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2021 • 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.
STEVE T
VerifiedAugust 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Everything worked as laid out in the instructions. The rocky uphill makes this experience worthwhile but tough to carry heavy ice chest etc. A really vintage facility.
STEVE T
VerifiedAugust 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Everything worked as laid out in the instructions. The rocky uphill makes this experience worthwhile but tough to carry heavy ice chest etc. A really vintage facility.
Noah B
VerifiedAugust 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Great place! The stove and lantern worked perfectly. Fairly well stocked with basic kitchen items and things such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Be prepared to hang your food to keep away from critters!
Noah B
VerifiedAugust 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Great place! The stove and lantern worked perfectly. Fairly well stocked with basic kitchen items and things such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Be prepared to hang your food to keep away from critters!
PAUL E
VerifiedJune 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Great way to decompress and have a quiet time!
PAUL E
VerifiedJune 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Great way to decompress and have a quiet time!
Tara M
VerifiedMay 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
The Recreation.gov website says that the gate leading up to the lookout is closed from fall to early spring but doesn't include exact dates. Unfortunately the gate was not open when we arrived (despite it being spring) and we were unable to trek the 7 mi to the lookout. We have been before in late fall (Oct. 31st) and the gate was open. It would be so helpful if these gate closure dates were included in the description. Apparently the gate opens May 1st for reference.
Tara M
VerifiedMay 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
The Recreation.gov website says that the gate leading up to the lookout is closed from fall to early spring but doesn't include exact dates. Unfortunately the gate was not open when we arrived (despite it being spring) and we were unable to trek the 7 mi to the lookout. We have been before in late fall (Oct. 31st) and the gate was open. It would be so helpful if these gate closure dates were included in the description. Apparently the gate opens May 1st for reference.
Stephanie K
VerifiedMay 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK BUTTE LOOKOUT
Gate was locked, we were not prepared to hike in 7 mi.
Location & Directions for West Fork Butte Lookout
24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804 United States
Elevation: 1,617 ft
Getting There
From Missoula, travel south on Highway 93 to Lolo. Turn onto Highway 12 and continue west for 17 mi, 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 rou...
From Missoula, travel south on Highway 93 to Lolo. Turn onto Highway 12 and continue west for 17 mi, 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 mi 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 mi 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 mi to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Missoula Ranger District.
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: October 22, 2026
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