Hike to Skookum Butte Lookout

Florence, Montana

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

2.6 miles

Elevation Gain

930 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Meredith Baird

Skookum Butte Lookout is an old L-5 log and frame cabin once used as a fire lookout. Sitting on the border of Montana and Idaho, it is one of the last of its kind still standing in this region and listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.This hike is short in distance, but pretty steep, so it may take a while. The 360 degree view from the top is worth every step of the way!

The hike begins on an old jeep road and has no amenities. It crosses through a marshy field and quickly starts climbing upward with switchbacks. Cross over an old spur logging road before ascending into thick forest. Continue on the steep switchbacks through dense evergreens until the rocky outcrop starts to appear through the trees.

This is where the hike gets fun! Choose your path up the boulders to the old lookout cabin. You can go inside, but beware of broken glass and nails in and around the cabin. Years of weathering and abandonment have left the site in disrepair.

Enjoy the panoramic view of both Montana and Idaho, and when you are finished, return the way you came.

Note: In the winter months, Elk Meadows Road 451 is closed to vehicles for snowmobile use.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Hike to Skookum Butte Lookout Reviews

As you drive up through the mountains that lead you to the Forrest road you begin to realize that you are truly in the wilderness. The trail head starts off in some timber and then opens up to some small fields, then cuts back and forth up the mountain. Be BEAR aware, as I spotted some tracks along the way. The view from the top is well worth the trip.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backcountry Snowshoe and Snowboard near Lolo Pass

Backpack the Sweeney Creek Trail

Blue Mountain Lookout Deadman Ridge Trail

Hike to Bear Creek Overlook

Hike to Bear Creek Falls

Hike to Mill Creek Falls