Old Butte Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Old Butte Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Idaho that boasts stunning views and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.


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Summary

The park is situated on a hilltop and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike the many trails in the park and explore the natural beauty of the area.

One of the highlights of Old Butte Park is the historic fire lookout tower. The tower is over 50 feet tall and provides visitors with an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the few remaining fire lookout towers in the state and is an important part of Idaho's history.

Other points of interest in Old Butte Park include the picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing opportunities. The park also has a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and coyotes, which can be seen throughout the year.

The best time to visit Old Butte Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park's many outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

Overall, Old Butte Park is a must-visit destination in Idaho. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and variety of outdoor activities, the park is sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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