West Fork Butte Lookout campground
West Fork Butte Lookout
Reservations are not accepted at West Fork Butte Lookout camping area, making it a first-come, first-served campground. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a site, especially during peak tourist season. The best time to visit this camping area is between June and September when the weather is pleasant and allows for various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
While exploring the area, campers can also indulge in the magnificent views from the West Fork Butte Lookout tower, which provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. However, it is crucial to exercise caution while hiking, as the terrain can be steep and rugged. Additionally, campers should be aware of local wildlife, such as bears, and take appropriate precautions to store food securely and maintain a safe distance.
In summary, West Fork Butte Lookout camping area in Montana offers a serene and scenic getaway for campers. With basic amenities, a first-come, first-served policy, and the best time to visit being between June and September, this camping area is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature's splendor.
What's on-site at West Fork Butte Lookout
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of West Fork Butte Lookout, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earl Tennant | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Lewis And Clark | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Lolo Creek Campground And Picnic Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Lolo Creek | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Lee Creek | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of West Fork Butte Lookout -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Fork Below Missoula Mt | 15,400 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt | 7,690 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt | 5,390 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Above Missoula Mt | 7,840 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork At Turah Bridge Nr Bonner Mt | 2,480 cfs | → |
| Blackfoot River Near Bonner Mt | 5,310 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of West Fork Butte Lookout -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lolo Pass | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Lolo Pass | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Missoula 4.4 W | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Alberton | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Missoula | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Missoula 6 Nw Wfo | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Travelers' Rest State Park
- Council Grove State Park
- Fish Creek State Park
- Playfair Park
- Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
- Missoula Memorial Rose Garden
Fishing spots
- Bitterroot River
- Deep Creek Fishing Access
- Petty Creek Fishing Access
- Bass Creek
- St. John's Fishing Access Site
- Tarkio Fishing Access
Points of interest
Paddle runs
- Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 35, T10n, R22w To South Fork Lolo Creek Trailhead, Sec. 12, T11n, R22w
- No Name Creek Headwaters, Sec. 30, T10n, R22w To Mainstem, Sec. 24, T10n, R22w
- Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T11n, R24w To Fish Creek, Sec. 8, T12n, R24w
- Mainstem Headwaters, Sec. 21, T11n, R25w To Montana Creek, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w
- White Creek Headwaters, Sec. 33, T12n, R24w To Mainstem, Sec. 18, T12n, R24w
- Pebble Creek Headwaters, Sec. 10, T11n, R25w To Mainstem, Sec. 28, T12n, R25w
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save West Fork Butte Lookout as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About West Fork Butte Lookout
Can I make reservations at West Fork Butte Lookout?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to West Fork Butte Lookout?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of West Fork Butte Lookout.