West Fork Butte Lookout

I wish I'd booked an additional night. This lookout is only 30 miles from my home, so I planned a single overnight stay for whatever reason. The road in is not even worth mentioning it's such an easy drive (high clearance isn't necessary). When I arrived, the clouds had enveloped the lookout and surrounding area. It was a bit chilly and damp (40°F with a brisk wind) so I started a fire around 5pm. I set to work just topping off the wood bin and splitting some wood down to kindling. I ended up having to open a window to cool off. The remainder of the evening I spent drawing and reading. I had my choice of which bed, all were equipped with thick sleeping pads and were very comfortable. This facility doesn't have the traditional Osborne Fire Finder, but it does have a propane oven/range, a propane bottle lantern, and a decent supply of cooking pans and utensils not to mention card games and board games. The lookout is well maintained and adequately stocked for sure.

The vista is pretty as with nearly all Montana lookouts (every state for that matter, I suppose). More of the rolling low altitude mountains than I'm used to but not without its appeal. In June everything is still so green and lush. Because of the cloud cover I could only just make out the moon at night. And any light pollution was VERY localized and insignificant. I'd recommend making the trip. It is not a bad experience by any means.

I wish I'd booked an additional night. This lookout is only 30 miles from my home, so I planned a single overnight stay for whatever reason. The road in is not even worth mentioning it's such an easy drive (high clearance isn't necessary). When I arrived, the clouds had enveloped the lookout and surrounding area. It was a bit chilly and damp (40°F with a brisk wind) so I started a fire around 5pm. I set to work just topping off the wood bin and splitting some wood down to kindling. I ended up having to open a window to cool off. The remainder of the evening I spent drawing and reading. I had my choice of which bed, all were equipped with thick sleeping pads and were very comfortable. This facility doesn't have the traditional Osborne Fire Finder, but it does have a propane oven/range, a propane bottle lantern, and a decent supply of cooking pans and utensils not to mention card games and board games. The lookout is well maintained and adequately stocked for sure.

The vista is pretty as with nearly all Montana lookouts (every state for that matter, I suppose). More of the rolling low altitude mountains than I'm used to but not without its appeal. In June everything is still so green and lush. Because of the cloud cover I could only just make out the moon at night. And any light pollution was VERY localized and insignificant. I'd recommend making the trip. It is not a bad experience by any means.

great setting, wood & propane a bonus, cabin will need ongoing work to deal with wear & tear, this is an important job for all who care about these historic structures

great setting, wood & propane a bonus, cabin will need ongoing work to deal with wear & tear, this is an important job for all who care about these historic structures

An excellent lookout! The wood stove cranks out more than enough heat, and the propane burners make cooking a breeze! Beautiful view and time in nature.

An excellent lookout! The wood stove cranks out more than enough heat, and the propane burners make cooking a breeze! Beautiful view and time in nature.

What a lovely lookout! The cabin was clean and well maintained, with loads of firewood available for a chilly winter night. Though we didn't use any because we brought our own, there were dishes and pots to cook with. There is an amazing little stove with four burners and an oven, so think about what you can bake while there! The storage area for the kitchen stuff is NOT mouse proof, and did have some signs that mice had been there. We kept our food items in the game cabinet, since that is mouse proof, and offered a little extra peace of mind.
The road up is a great one for skiing if the weather permits, making the return trip down under an hour. If you have to walk, it's roughly three hours either direction.
All in all, this is an absolutely lovely cabin with lovely views of the surrounds mountains. Highly recommended!

What a lovely lookout! The cabin was clean and well maintained, with loads of firewood available for a chilly winter night. Though we didn't use any because we brought our own, there were dishes and pots to cook with. There is an amazing little stove with four burners and an oven, so think about what you can bake while there! The storage area for the kitchen stuff is NOT mouse proof, and did have some signs that mice had been there. We kept our food items in the game cabinet, since that is mouse proof, and offered a little extra peace of mind.
The road up is a great one for skiing if the weather permits, making the return trip down under an hour. If you have to walk, it's roughly three hours either direction.
All in all, this is an absolutely lovely cabin with lovely views of the surrounds mountains. Highly recommended!

Loved it!

Loved it!