West Fork Butte Lookout
4.4035 reviews24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA
West Fork Butte Lookout
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates range from June 1st to December 31st at $55 per night. Additional fees may apply for reservations, cancellations, or modifications via Recreation.gov.
About this campground
Perched atop a rocky knob in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains, West Fork Butte Lookout invites adventurers to step into a piece of living history. This charming 14x14-foot fire lookout tower, once home to vigilant forest guardians scanning for smoke on the horizon, now welcomes up to 4 guests seeking an unforgettable mountain retreat. Wake up to 360-degree panoramic views that stretch across endless ridgelines and valleys, where morning mist dances through ancient forests and evening alpenglow paints the peaks in shades of gold and rose.
West Fork Butte Lookout offers a unique lodging experience in a historic fire lookout cabin. Tent, primitive, and group camping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceStanding as a sentinel since the early days of the Forest Service, this historic fire lookout embodies decades of wilderness protection and conservation legacy. Generations of fire spotters once lived and worked in this tower, scanning the horizon with binoculars, mapping lightning strikes, and radioing in the first signs of smoke. Today, visitors can touch the same weathered walls and gaze through the same windows that countless guardians used to protect these wild lands, connecting with a vanishing tradition of solitary mountain watchers who helped preserve the American wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms West Fork Butte into a dramatically different wonderland. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while autumn sets the larch trees ablaze in brilliant gold. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a backcountry paradise accessible by ski or snowmobile for those prepared for the adventure. Spring emerges with wildflowers and the return of birdsong, though mountain weather can surprise visitors with sudden storms or unexpected sunshine. Winter adventurers should come prepared for the raw beauty and challenges of high-country conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and deep snow.
ElevationAt 2,310 feet above sea level, the lookout offers a breathtaking vantage point that makes you feel suspended between earth and sky. This elevated perch provides commanding views that stretch for miles in every direction, where you can watch weather systems roll in across distant peaks and valleys unfold like a topographic map come to life. The altitude creates a unique microclimate where you might experience four seasons in a single day, adding to the mountain magic of this special place.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your eagle's nest atop this distinctive rocky outcrop, the world unfolds in layers of wilderness beauty. Dense forests of lodgepole pine and western larch carpet the mountainsides, creating a living tapestry that changes with the seasons. Wildlife thrives in this pristine habitat – you might spot a majestic elk grazing in a distant meadow, catch a glimpse of a moose wading through a mountain stream, or watch deer pick their way along ridgelines at dawn. Black bears roam these forests, adding an element of wild authenticity to your mountain experience. To the west, the iconic silhouette of Lolo Peak dominates the horizon, while the serpentine curves of Lolo Creek drainage carve through the valleys below, creating a landscape that captures the untamed essence of the Northern Rockies.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged embrace of the Bitterroot Mountains along the storied Montana-Idaho border, West Fork Butte Lookout sits at the crossroads of geological wonder. These ancient mountains tell a story written in stone and forest, where tectonic forces and glacial carving created the dramatic peaks and valleys visible from the lookout's windows. The surrounding landscape showcases the region's signature lodgepole pine and larch forests, ecosystems perfectly adapted to this land of fire and ice. From this remarkable vantage point, visitors can trace the spine of the Continental Divide and witness firsthand the raw beauty that defines the Northern Rocky Mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe steep and rocky terrain leading up to the lookout and the bathroom location present challenges for individuals with mobility issues. User reviews caution that the trail and bathroom location may not be suitable for elderly visitors or those with balance issues.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 14x14 feet, accommodating up to four people.
Sites PrivacyThe site is relatively secluded but does receive visitors due to its proximity to hiking trails.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sleeping pads for comfort, use flashlights for nighttime outhouse trips, and secure food from wildlife. Visitors recommend sturdy footwear for rocky terrain.
Best CampsitesSingle lookout facility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The lookout can accommodate up to 4 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle 14x14-foot lookout cabin located on a rocky knob with an outhouse approximately 500 feet downhill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1st to December 31st annually. Reservations start June 23, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by contacting the customer service center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations must be made online or through the app.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to the day before check-in for a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, and no refunds are issued for cancellations after the start date.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Guests at West Fork Butte Lookout can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and fishing in nearby Lolo Creek. Wildlife viewing is popular, with sightings of elk, moose, deer, black bears, and chipmunks frequently mentioned in reviews.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available in the area. Reviews suggest West Fork Trail #320 is accessible, but some visitors noted lack of interest in its downhill path. "Hiking the trails below the lookout to enjoy fall colors beginning" was highlighted in one review.Fishing
Fishing is available in Lolo Creek, but no specific details about fish species or quality of fishing were provided.Biking
No detailed descriptions of biking opportunities are provided, but recreational biking is mentioned as an activity.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to elk, moose, deer, and black bears. "Saw a bear driving up and 2 more in a clearing on the next ridge over," one review mentions. Chipmunks and a Rocky Mountain Weasel have also been sighted.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular winter activities, with groomed trails nearby. "Wonderful Cross-country skiing experience!!" states one review.Water Sports
Water sports do not appear to be relevant to this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited. Firewood is provided for the wood stove in the lookout.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include bears and chipmunks. Rocky terrain can be hazardous for walking. Seasonal snow and wind risks may impact accessibility.
Active alertsWinter gate closures limit vehicle access; seasonal variability requires hiking or skiing to reach the site.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Missoula Ranger District Office (406-329-3814) for ranger services. Closest city emergency services are located in Missoula, MT.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1st to December 31st.
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all trash, food, and personal belongings. Trash and recycling facilities are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresFishing available in Lolo Creek, approximately 17 miles from the lookout.
Common complaintsShutters obstruct views. Gate closures can prevent access. Mattress pads are considered uncomfortable by some visitors.
HostMissoula Ranger District manages the site but does not offer an on-site host.
Campground Map
24 FORT MISSOULA ROAD, MISSOULA, MT 59804, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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. 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, close the gate behind you, and follow the road half a mile to the lookout. During winter and early spring months, the gate at the beginning of Forest Road 37 is closed and locked. Visitors can park at the parking area below the gate and follow the route via snowmobile, skis, or foot for 7.5 miles to the lookout.
Road access varies by season. During summer months, the gate near the beginning of Forest Road 37 is open, while in winter and spring, it remains closed to protect roadbed surfaces. Hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling is necessary during closures, and guests must travel 7.5 miles to reach the facility.Nearby places
Lolo (17 miles), Missoula (approximately 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Missoula, MT, provides grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations. Lolo also hosts a brewery and other amenities nearby (approximately 17 miles from the lookout).
Camper Reviews
4.4
35 reviews
West Fork Butte Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall user sentiment for West Fork Butte Lookout is positive, with guests praising the views, solitude, and rustic charm. However, some reviews note issues with boarded-up windows, steep access trails, and mouse activity.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews emphasize the "spectacular views," "amazing sunsets," and the cabin's well-stocked amenities, such as propane burners and wood stoves. "This beats a five-star hotel," one guest claimed.
Based on 35 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticisms include boarded-up windows obstructing views, difficulty accessing the vault toilet at night, and issues with mice and chipmunks. "Most of the lookout windows remain boarded up, which is...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests suggest bringing additional sleeping pads for comfort, using a flashlight for nighttime trips to the vault toilet, and securing food from wildlife. "Chipmunks will get in your food as you...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter visitors appreciated the warm wood stove and the availability of firewood. Fall reviews highlighted autumn colors and the rugged charm of the lookout. Spring and early summer reviews often...
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Camper Quotes
"Spectacular view, amazing location." "Loved staying here! You can't beat the view and star visibility." "Absolutely GORGEOUS! The views were flipping incredible and worth every mile."
Based on 35 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Most reviews pertain to the fire lookout cabin (site 001). Guests generally praise its amenities but note challenges such as steep trails and boarded-up windows. One reviewer mentioned, "What a...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility issues were noted, with reviewers warning that steep, rocky terrain makes the site unsuitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility challenges. "This place is not for the elderly...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at West Fork Butte Lookout. No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025