Skookum Butte sits on the Montana/Idaho border at 7215 feet. An ancient lookout sits atop of the knob of pillow granite. The Skookum Butte Lookout is one of only three remaining L-5 log/frame ground houses remaining. The wood has aged to barnwood gray, and the entire structure seems to be in danger of collapse at some point.
Getting There
Take US Hwy 12 for 10 miles from Lolo to Elk Meadows Road 451. Continue on this well-maintained gravel road for 12.1 miles. Look for the Forest Service Road sign for FR 2186. Turn right and travel 0.5 miles to the trailhead.
The Hike
- Trail: Skookum Butte Trail #304
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 932 feet
The trail is relatively steep, but short. In fact, I made the summit in about 35 minutes. I decided to climb the rocks to the lookout (you know, adventure and all), but if you would rather stay on the trail, it circles around the back of the butte before going up to the structure.
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Took my brother from Minnesota up here on July 21. Not a cloud in the phenomenal blue skies for 360 degrees, except for the fire plume toward Jerry Johnson hot springs. He and I had it for 2 hours of soaking in the peace and quiet. It pays to leave early…The lookout reconstruction is also phenomenal. Well worth going to admire the hard work. I seen it before and after. After is sooooo much nicer!! I have pictures if you want to add them here.
The shutters are locked shut but windows do open. If you find open windows please close them since the shutters are not weather tight. The hard work needs to be protected from the elements!
Forgot to mention the parking area. The trailhead sign is high up on a tree and is partially hidden by drooping branches.