Lolo National Forest

Lolo National Forest Earl Tennant Campground

The Jack Saloon

The corridor along U.S. Highway 12 from Lolo, Montana to Lolo Pass includes Lolo Creek and a historic trail. Camping, fishing, picnicking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are among the activities found in this area. Many interpretive signs address the historical significance of this area and the accounts of the Nez Perce Indians, early settlers, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Lolo Creek Campground

Lewis and Clark Campground

## Overview

West Fork Butte Lookout is an ideal place for guests to experience the mountains south of Missoula from a unique vantage point. The facility provides near-360-degree views of the surrounding area. It is equipped with basic supplies and provides guests a base camp location from which to explore the area.   
  
Access by vehicle is available for a relatively short time during the summer months and is variable during the spring and fall. If the gate at the bottom of Forest Road 37 is closed, guests may have to hike, ski or snowmobile roughly 7.5 miles to the facility. Please call the Missoula Ranger District to check gate status. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Hiking trails are available in the area. Visitors often bring cross-country skis or snowshoes for wintertime fun. Snowmobiles are often used to reach the lookout in the winter, and there is a system of groomed trails to explore nearby.   
  
Fishing is available in Lolo Creek.

## Facilities

The lookout can sleep up to four people and is equipped with bunk beds and mattress pads. The lookout also has a table and chairs, a propane cook stove and lantern, as well as a wood stove for heat. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not always guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814. A vault toilet is provided.   
  
Guests should bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding and towels, propane fuel canisters, flashlights, matches, lighters, garbage bags, toilet paper and cleaning supplies are not supplied at the facility. Guests are responsible for cleaning the lookout prior to departure.

## Natural Features

The 14-by-14' lookout is situated on a rocky knob with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Lolo Peak, the Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Creek drainage. The lookout is close to the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass.   
  
The surrounding forest is comprised primarily of lodgepole pine and larch. The area is home to elk, moose, deer and black bears.

West Fork Butte Lookout

Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground

Lolo Hot Springs Campground

This shady, forested campground is adjacent to Lolo Creek and Lee Creek. Lewis and Clark/ Nez Perce National Historic Trail is nearby. Winter recreation opportunities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are available in the area.

Lee Creek Campground

There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest. Most of them are not currently on this web site. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities, please contact the ranger district offices.

Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping

National Forest

This campground wasn’t open yet when I went to check it out, but it’s a cute little historical site off of FS Road 37. I almost missed the turn because it’s not super well marked, but you’ll see the sign for the forest service road and there’s a little bridge across the river. It’s a super minimal campground for tents only!

Lolo National Forest Earl Tennant Campground

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2022 Explorer Giveaway

Great little historical place!

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Nearby Campgrounds

The Jack Saloon

Lolo Creek Campground

Lewis and Clark Campground

Lolo Creek Campground

West Fork Butte Lookout

Lolo Hot Springs RV Park & Campground

Lolo Hot Springs Campground

Lee Creek Campground

Blue Mountain Forest Rd 365 - Dispersed

Petty Creek Road Dispersed Camping