Hike to Skookum Butte Lookout

Florence, Montana

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 6 photos

All 6 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

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.

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

Graham Gardner

Hike to Skookum Butte Lookout

08/09/17

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.

5.0

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

For this trip, you want to head towards Lolo Pass, which is the landmark of the Idaho/Montana border on Highway 12. This highway's two main towns that it begins and ends at are Lolo, Montana and Lewiston, Idaho. If you are on the Montana side, Crooked Fork Road is just a mere 100 yards from the Lolo Peak Trailhead, on the right. From Idaho, it is just past Lolo Pass on your left on the Montana ...

Backpack the Sweeney Creek Trail

The hike into Duffy Lake was approximately 7 miles with ~2600' gain. The first mile or two is fairly steep, then it will wiggle up and down the mountain until it drops down into the drainage to the lake. You can hike to Holloway Lake too if the trail isn't completely covered in snow. Late spring will still be fairly snowy, so beware and pack accordingly. Otherwise, summer and fall is a great ti...

Blue Mountain Lookout Deadman Ridge Trail

Blue Mountain Lookout Deadman Ridge Trail in Missoula, Montana is a moderately challenging hiking trail. The trail spans approximately 4.79 miles, offering a round-trip hike that takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. The trail is marked by a steady incline, with an elevation gain of 840 feet. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the Missoula Valley and the Bitterroot Mountains. The t...

Hike to Bear Creek Overlook

At the start of your hike, stay to left and meander your way through a shaded forest of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. Your steady uphill climb features about two dozen switchbacks with pockets of vibrant wildflowers and a meadow of fallen trees near the rim. At the top, you'll be greeted with impressive views of the Bitterroot Mountains and to the east, Bitterroot Valley. If you're lucky, ...

Hike to Bear Creek Falls

The trailhead is well established with a small campground and bathroom facilities.The hike begins in dense forest and slowly climbs over Bear Creek through a canyon. You get your typical (but always beautiful!) Bitterroot scenery: jagged rocky mountains towering over you on each side.At 1.5 miles, the trail opens up to the main waterfall. Depending on the time of year, it can be small or raging...

Hike to Mill Creek Falls

The trailhead is easily visible from the parking area and ascends into a narrow canyon surrounded by dense forest. Mill Creek is not much more than a trickle at the beginning, but slowly gets larger and follows the trail the entire hike. About a half mile in, cross the log bridge over Mill Creek.Soon the canyon will open up and give way to stunning craggy mountain views towering overhead. There...

Hike to Skookum Butte Lookout

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Hike to Skookum Butte Lookout Reviews

Leave No Trace

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

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps