Skookum Butte Lookout

This hike was originally planned for our July trip to Montana, but due to time constraints we weren't able to fit it in (we ran out of time!).  We're so glad that it worked out that we could incorporate it into our Idaho Loop trip.  The lookout was built in 1928 and is only one of three remaining that utilized this type of log cabin construction.  From it's unique rocky butte summit we had 360° views and even found a 1934 benchmark!

There are actually two trailheads for this hike (an official & unofficial one) . . .
Although the official trailhead is a mile longer (r/t), we chose it as time wasn't an issue

The trail starts as an old road, but quickly turns into a path as it drops down into a meadow

For most of the trail there were steep switchbacks that helped us quickly gain the summit
(There is one short section [100 yds] that just goes straight up the side of the mountain)

Before long we came to the base of this knob of pillow granite that Skookum Butte sits atop (7,202 ft)

Although our first inkling was to boulder hop to the top, we took some time to follow the trail
around the butte's south side, where we found a trail that took us up through the boulder field . . .
Interestingly, Kent is pictured straddling the Idaho/Montana border!

To our surprise the door opened when we turned the doorknob!

Inside we found this journal that chronicled the restoration of the lookout . . .
It also served as a summit registry for those who have made the climb

Here's what the Heritage Program crew had to say about their efforts and intentions for Skookum Butte
(Click on the picture to enlarge it)

Although it looks like a postcard, Allison took this shot from the inside, looking out, with the door closed

It didn't take long to locate the 1934 reference markers and benchmark . . .
Sadly, someone has defaced the benchmark to the extent that it is illegible

This is the benchmark, embedded in the granite, on the north side of the cabin 

Kent eating an apple and taking in the views . . . can it get any better than this?

Looking into the Bitterroots

Click on the picture for an expanded view

One last look (and selfie) before we head back down the mountain

Late summer/early fall was certainly in the air and the foliage was beginning to show its colors

This interesting plant is actually the skeletal remains of a fireweed stalk . . .
This is what it looks like once it is done blooming for the season

We decided to take a different forest road on our way back to the blacktop . . .
To make a long story short, we unexpectedly came on another lookout 

Since the road to the lookout was closed (the Forest Service rents this one out for overnight use),
we decided to walk up the road, hoping no one was using it

Lucky for us, it appeared as if this lookout was closed for the season

To our surprise the West Butte Lookout is also located on a rocky butte . . .
Apparently, this is a common feature of many of the mountain tops in the area

Looks like a fun getaway for a night or two

For you coffee lovers, you're invited to percolate your brew the old fashioned way

Although not a benchmark, it was still a nice, unexpected find of this Forest Service survey marker

Survey marker with West Fork Butte Lookout (6,163 ft)

Spectacular views looking north from the lookout . . . a great way to close out our day!

It was a fun day of exploring old lookouts.  Much restoration work has gone in to preserving these important pieces of history!  If you're interested in watching a short video of the Heritage Team restoring the lookout you can click here.  The hike to Skookum Butte entails driving 9-miles on a dirt road, then hiking 3-miles (r/t) with 1,000 ft of elevation gain . . . it took longer to drive the dirt road than to hike to the summit!  West Fork Butte Lookout was a .75 mile road walk that took us right to the base of the butte.  If you have some extra time and you're in the Lolo Hot Springs area, we would highly recommend making the effort to see both of these lookouts for yourself!