Castle Butte Lookout

Perched on a rugged rocky point at an elevation of 6,659 feet, Castle Butte Lookout is a unique cabin offering unparalleled 360-degree vistas of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Seven Devils Mountains, the Great Burn area, and the deep canyons carved by the upper drainages of the North Fork Clearwater River.

Access to this remote lookout is via the Lolo Motorway, a primitive, single-lane road created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. The trail to the lookout is unmaintained, susceptible to washouts and gullies, and not recommended for large RVs, vehicles with low ground clearance, or trailers. Visitors should be prepared to walk approximately 100 feet up a steep, rocky path to reach the lookout.

Castle Butte Lookout has a rich history, serving the Clearwater National Forest since 1916 as a modest frame cabin. In 1928, it was replaced by an R-1 log cabin with a distinctive cupola. The current structure, a 14’x14’ L-4 cab with a surrounding catwalk perched on a 10-foot stone base, was constructed in 1950. This historic lookout, recently restored, is now part of the recreation rental system, offering a unique connection to the past.

Castle Butte Lookout has a few basic comforts, though guests need to bring additional gear and supplies to enhance their stay. The breathtaking panoramic views alone promise an unforgettable experience.

For those seeking a more grounded experience, an area for dispersed camping is nestled among the trees along the trail below the lookout.