West Fork Butte

West Fork Butte is an easy and incredibly scenic 13.7-mile mountain trail in the Lolo National Forest that is perfect for scenic cruisers, high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, and SxSs looking to explore western Montana's rugged backcountry. Winding its way up from an elevation of 3,856 feet near Highway 12 to a maximum height of 6,453 feet, the route features a gradual climb with a total cumulative elevation gain of 2,921 feet. The primary surface is unpaved, consisting of a narrow dirt and gravel forest service road with occasional pullouts to allow passing oncoming traffic. As the trail climbs, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges before ending at a locked gate and turnout near the West Fork Butte Lookout. While the route itself is rated an easy 2 out of 10, drivers should remain alert for specific seasonal challenges and limited resources. In the spring, downed trees are common across the trail, making it essential to carry a chainsaw or handsaw to clear obstacles. There is no winter road maintenance, though snowmobile trail markers indicate the route is a popular destination for winter recreation once the snow packs in. Cell service is virtually non-existent along most of the trail, save for a single bar near one of the high-elevation corners, so offline navigation maps are highly recommended. Camping options are extremely limited, restricted primarily to small roadside pullouts, but the half-mile hike from the end of the road to the historic West Fork Butte Lookout makes the trek well worth the effort.