Recreation Region: Ashland Ranger District

Diamond Butte Lookout/Cabin

Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop a 30-foot masonry tower on Diamond Butte at an altitude of 4,245 feet in the Custer National Forest approximately 40 miles from Ashland, Montana. The lookout was moved from its original location of Yeager Butte in 1958 and was an active fire lookout until 2001. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This vantage point offers the chance to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and star gazing on clear nights. The lookout is accessible by car, but it is a 200-foot walk up a steep hill to the lookout from the parking area. Guests should be prepared to bring most of their own supplies and gear.

General Information

There is no electricity at this site. A propane cook stove with oven, propane lights, propane heater and a few cooking and eating utensils are available.

Access: The road does not go directly to the lookout - hike 200 feet up a steep hill to reach the lookout. There is a wagon in the basement to help haul gear.

No garbage service - pack it in, pack it out.

Please store food, coolers and garbage in the lookout. The Forest Service does not provide cleaning services or garbage removal for this cabin.

Cleaning and trash removal is the responsibility of each renter, and your efforts are appreciated in keeping the lookout clean for the next user.

Note: Lookout is closed June - September, and is used as an active fire lookout for the Ashland Ranger District.

Sept. - June

Overnight Use: $45/night.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*

$45/night with maximum stay of 4 nights

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.24917

Longitude: -105.93276

Directions

From Ashland, MT travel east on Hwy 212 for approximately 3 miles. Turn right on Otter Creek Road (Hwy 484) and travel 20 miles south. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn left onto Taylor Creek Road and travel east 12 miles to Sonnette Divide Road. Turn left on Sonnette Divide Road, travel north for 2 miles and turn right on the Diamond Butte Lookout Road (Forest Trail 4001). Travel 1 mile to the gate. Hike 200 feet up steep hill to lookout.