Castle Butte Lookout

Originally built in 1916, replaced in 1928 and rebuilt as a lookout in 1950, the Castle Butte Lookout is perched on a rocky point 6659' above sea level in north central Idaho. Thrilling panoramic views of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Seven Devils, the Great Burn Area, and the North Fork of the Clearwater drainage can all be enjoyed while warming yourself inside the lookout and cooking a meal. The lookout houses up to 4 comfortably, has lights, a heater and a propane stove and is located 2 miles off the scenic Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark Corridor, AKA the Lolo Motorway (requires a high-clearance vehicle). Along the Motorway, hikers and OHV riders alike can retrace the historic paths of the Nez Perce and Lewis & Clark on their journey west and perchance visit one or all of the four high mountain lakes in the area.

Current Conditions

Open seasonally by reservation only.

General Information

July 8 - August 3, 2022

OHVs are not allowed off roads.
The lookout has a 4 person limit and stock is not allowed at site.
Garbage services not available. Pack It In, Pack It Out.

Nightly rates are $45. See Recreation.gov for details.

Getting There

Elevation

7100'

Directions

Courtesy of Recreation.gov:
From Kooskia, ID, take U.S. 12 east for about 65 miles and turn left on Road 107/Gravey Creek Road/Saddle Camp Road. Drive for about 6 miles, then take a slight right on Road 107/Gravey Creek Road. In about 3 miles, turn left toward Lolo Motorway/Lolo Trail. Take the first right onto Lolo Motorway/Lolo Trail. Drive for about 9.5 miles, then Lolo Motorway turns right and becomes Forest Road 561.

From Missoula, MT, take U.S. 12 west for about 75 miles and turn right on Road 107/Gravey Creek Road/Saddle Camp Road. Drive for about 6 miles, then take a slight right on Road 107/Gravey Creek Road. In about 3 miles, turn left toward Lolo Motorway/Lolo Trail. Take the first right onto Lolo Motorway/Lolo Trail. Drive for about 9.5 miles, then Lolo Motorway turns right and becomes Forest Road 561.