Granite Butte Lookout

Granite Butte Lookout

About this campsite

Overview

The Granite Butte Lookout is located at 7,587 feet above sea level atop the Continental Divide of North America. The 15' by 15' lookout cabin sits atop a 20' tall wooden tower that was first built in 1932. The structure was rebuilt in 1962 and has been recently renovated. This tower was listed on the national register of historic lookouts in 2008 and offers guests a glimpse into the life of a Forest Service Lookout. Located near Lincoln, MT the lookout offers direct access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which stretches along the back bone of the continent from Canada to Mexico. It is accessible by vehicle, but be forewarned, the road is rough towards the end and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The lookout has the basic amenities including a bed, auxiliary cots, tables, chairs, dishes, cutlery, and a woodstove are provided, but guests should prepare to bring their own bedding, water, and propane.

Recreation

The Continental Divide Trail passes right by the lookout tower and offers guests access to as many miles as they care to hike, bike, or ride on horseback. There are several other trails for guests to explore within a 1/2 hour drive. The cabin also offers winter recreation opportunities with cross-country skiing opportunities out the back door and nearby access to over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

Facilities

The lookout is furnished with one twin bed with a mattress and three twin cots. The lookout can accommodate a maximum of four people. The lookout is equipped with a table, chairs, woodstove, propane cook stove, propane powered lanterns, silverware and dishes. An axe and splitting maul are available for splitting wood and firewood will usually be stacked at the base of the tower, but it is not guaranteed. The lookout does not have electricity or indoor plumbing. A vault toilet is on-site near the lookout. Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking and washing. Guests are advised to bring sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, propane, garbage bags and other personal effects. All garbage must be packed out and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. A broom and cleaning supplies are provided.

Natural Features

The lookout is located atop a grassy ridge directly on the Continental Divide. The area around the cabin offers spectacular views, abundant wildflowers, high elevation white bark pine stands, open meadows, and large rock outcroppings. There are lower elevation conifer stands and streams located nearby as well.

Wildlife in the area abounds; including the more common elk, mule and white-tailed deer, squirrel, black bear, and a variety of birds. The more elusive grizzly bear, badger, wolverine, mountain lion, and lynx can be found here as well.

Nearby Attractions

The nearby town of Lincoln offers restaurants, bars, art galleries, a sculpture park, and many events that are put on in the community throughout the summer. Visitors can also access the scenic Blackfoot River and Copper Creek from town and the nearby area.

Location

GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT•MT

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TUE☁️

16° / 4°

💧 2%

WED☁️

15° / 6°

💧 2%

THU☁️

21° / 5°

💧 1%

FRI☁️

20° / 3°

💧 14%

SAT☁️

9° / -2°

💧 17%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

11.6 km away

Lost Horse Cabin

Overview Lost Horse Cabin is located 35 miles west of Helena, Montana, on public land managed by the Helena Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The cabin was acquired by the Forest Service in 2017 and is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in west-central Montana. The cabin is typically accessible by car; however, heavy amounts of snow in winter can close the last 2 miles of the road to vehicles. Access to the cabin once the snow sets in is via a 2-mile stretch of road passable by snowmobile, snowshoe, skis or dog sled. Guests must be prepared to pack in their own supplies. Recreation Hiking, hunting, photography, and exploration are all great recreational activities in this area. There is an extensive road system not far from the cabin area (to the south and east) where many people use trucks or ride off-highway vehicles in the summer and fall to see the general area and old mining relics. As the crow flies, the cabin is just four miles east of the Continental Divide. The area to the west and north is sparsely roaded and offers an off-trail, remote experience. Facilities The cabin is furnished with 2 sets of bunk beds, with mattresses, and four cots that can accommodate up to 8 people. A wood stove is provided for heat and there is also a Monarch cookstove in the cabin. Other amenities include lanterns, a table and chairs, cleaning supplies, a propane cooking stove, dishes, utensils, and some cookware. An outhouse with vault toilet is nearby. An axe and snow shovel are provided. Firewood may be available, but it is not guaranteed. The cabin is not wired for electricity, and water is not available so guests should bring a sufficient amount of water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Fuel and mantels are not provided for the propane stove or lantern, so guests should bring a couple of small propane cylinders, as well as backup lighting. Items to bring include water, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and food and clean the cabin before leaving. This is a remote location and no commerical stores or services are near the cabin. Natural Features The cabin sits along a small intermittent creek at an elevation of 5,200 feet in the Divide Mountains. The region boasts a coniferous forest with mixed fir and pine trees. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest offers many streams and fishing opportunities. Native wildlife includes black and grizzly bears, mule-deer and white-tailed deer, elk, and mountain lions. The area also hosts many upland bird species. Nearby Attractions This is a remote cabin and most attractions in this area are based around outdoor activities.

12.0 km away

Nevada Creek Cabin

Overview This historic one room log cabin is located on National Forest lands along the upper reaches of Nevada Creek, between Avon and Helmville, MT. Thick forests, steep slopes, and wide open ridges define the landscape and visitors can access the adjacent road-less area with trails leading directly from the cabin to multiple destinations, including the Continental Divide. Nevada Creek is a small fish bearing stream with open grassy stream banks and clear running water. Once on public land, the stream is accessible by road or trail for its entire length. In a thick lodgepole pine forest at 5,400 ft. elevation, visitors will be able to find wildlife, huckleberries, scenic views and evidence of a rich mining history right outside the cabin’s door. The cabin is located a short distance behind a gate and offers excellent opportunities for solitude and exploration. The area is fairly remote and lightly traveled so visitors should prepare accordingly. The cabin has 1 bunk bed, 1 full size bed, a wood stove, propane stove, and propane lights in addition to other standard amenities. Recreation Hiking, horse riding, fishing, hunting, berry picking, photography, and exploration are all great recreational activities in this area. Hikers and horse riders can head out from the cabin and connect to the Continental Divide Trail on the Nevada Creek Trail #466 in about 5 miles of gentle terrain. At over 3,000 miles in length, the CDT stretches from Canada to Mexico and is one of the gems of the National Trail System. From the top of the Divide visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Northern Rocky Mountains and the valleys, prairies, and ranges beyond. Other trails in the area include the Prickly-Nevada Trail, Helmville-Gould Trail and Washington Gulch. All trails in the immediate area are non-motorized, please respect travel regulations in the area in order to provide for a non-motorized recreational experience. Facilities The Nevada Creek cabin is a single room log cabin with log framed beds, wood stove, propane stove, propane lights, vault toilet and a picnic area. There is a hand pump and well near the cabin for potable water. There is one bunkbed and 1 single bed located in the cabin with mattresses, but guests should plan to bring in bedding or a sleeping bag. A propane stove and lights are available for use. Propane is provided for guests at this facility, but please use the available gas responsibly. Remember to always turn the propane supply off to the cabin when not in use. A shut off valve is located on the interior eastern wall. Dishes, Pots, Pans, Cutlery, and basic kitchen utensils are supplied at the cabin. There are cleaning supplies at the cabin and guests are encouraged to use them in order to keep the facility clean for the next visitors. Natural Features The entire area to the North, East, and South is protected as an Inventoried Roadless Area and has thus far escaped large scale development by civilization. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a slice of a largely intact ecosystem in the northern Rocky Mountains. Nevada Creek is corralled on both sides of the drainage by steep slopes thickly covered in an aging lodgepole pine forest interspersed with grassy meadows along the spine of the Continental Divide. The creek offers grassy meadows and willow covered banks with small pools for bathing and cooling off in the hot summer months. The huckleberry and blueberry picking in the area can be excellent. Elk and Deer are common in the area as well and the cabin is ideally situated for a hunting trip. Nearby Attractions This is a remote cabin and most attractions in this area are based around outdoor activities. The Nevada Reservoir is nearby and offers a floating opportuinity for small boats.

13.1 km away

CUMMINGS CABIN

Overview Located 8.5 miles east of Lincoln, Montana, Cummings Cabin is a historic structure, representative of the old mining cabins that dotted the countryside in the greater Lincoln area around 1910. The cabin has been determined eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the cabin is a rustic getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The cabin has a hand pump for water, propane range, propane lights, a wood stove, silverware, dishes, cleaning supplies, outdoor fire ring, 2 full size beds and one twin bed. In the snow free months guests can drive directly to the cabin, but in the winter be prepared to snow shoe or ski up to a mile to get to the cabin. Recreation Guests can access numerous trails within a half hour drive of the cabin. The Lincoln valley is bounded by the Continental Divide Trail to the east and visitors can access this trail in numerous places from Cummings Cabin. Guests can also explore the Scapegoat Wilderness and the Lewis and Clark Historic trail while visiting the area. OHV enthusiasts can ride directly from the cabin to access the Hogum Creek ATV trail which connects up to Crater Mtn. road and the Stemple Pass area. Wildlife, flowers, and spectacular views can be seen from many locations in the valley. The nearby Blackfoot River ranks as one of the most scenic rivers in this part of Montana and Cummings Cabin is located near its headwaters. Excellent fly fishing can be found within a short distance of the cabin. The cabin also offers winter recreation opportunities with cross-country skiing opportunities out the back door and nearby access to over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Facilities The cabin is furnished with two double beds and one twin bed, all with mattresses, and is able to accommodate up to five people. The kitchen is equipped with a propane range and oven, a variety of pots and pans, plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, a sink that drains into five-gallon buckets, and a table with chairs. A wood stove and a fireplace are available for use. An axe is available for splitting wood and firewood is usually available on the front porch as well as in the old garage; however, it is not guaranteed. Call the District to confirm the availability of wood at the cabin. A vault toilet is on-site near the cabin. The cabin does not have electricity or indoor plumbing. There are eight propane lights for renters use with spare mantles usually stocked in the cabinet. Water is available year-round from a hand pump, but may be difficult to draw during extreme cold temperatures. If water is collected from the nearby stream, it should be treated prior to use. Guests are advised to bring personal items, sleeping bags or blankets, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit and garbage bags. All garbage must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. Brooms, mops and basic cleaning supplies are available for renters use. Propane is provided for visitors. There is a shut off valve on the outer wall of the cabin on the North side. Always turn propane off to the cabin when not in use to avoid gas leaks. Always keep individual propane control knobs to the lights and the stove in the off position when not in use. Natural Features The cabin is tucked into a grassy clearing with old-growth conifer forest to one side. The area around the cabin offers a variety of landscapes, from river banks to subalpine terrain. Valley bottoms, dense forests, meadows and barren ridges are mixed with streams, rivers, and lakes. Wildlife in the area abounds, including the more common elk, mule and white-tailed deer, squirrel, black bear, and a variety of birds. The more elusive grizzly bear, badger, wolverine, mountain lion, and lynx find habitat here as well. Nearby

13.9 km away

Aspen Grove Group Use Area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF, MT)

Overview Aspen Grove Group Use Campground sits in forested mountain terrain on the banks of the Blackfoot River in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. At an elevation of 4,800 feet beneath a canopy of cottonwood, aspen, juniper, Lodgepole pine and Douglas fir, this campground is an ideal setting for larger families or groups seeking relaxation and recreation. It is separated from the rest of the campground and offers guests their own private area, bathroom, water spigot, and parking. Recreation Aspen Grove Group Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, bike, hunt and enjoy a long list of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. Indian Meadows Trailhead, located approximately 9 miles from Aspen Grove, offers access to a number of hiking trails in the Scapegoat Wilderness. Alice Creek Trailhead, located approximately 15 miles from Aspen Grove, also offers hiking opportunities into the Scapegoat Wilderness and along the Lewis and Clark historic trail to Lewis and Clark Pass. Visitors can also access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in several different locations around the Lincoln Valley. The CDT offers sweeping views of the area and highlights the marked change in landscape on either side of the Divide. The Blackfoot River, adjacent to the campground, is renowned for its recreational opportunities, most notably fly fishing. The Blackfoot is a fast, cold river with many deep spots, making it prime habitat for populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Facilities The Aspen Grove Group Campground is able to accommodate 75 people total. It has one large group living area with 6 picnic tables, 2 serving tables, and a large fire ring. It also has three smaller living areas connected to the main area via walking trails and the main access road that each have 2 picnic tables and one metal fire ring. Overall, there is back-in parking for up to 8 RVs or trailers, with lengths between 35' and 45'. There is also space for about 20 passenger vehicles to park, and 10-15 more if there are no trailers or RVs. Space is available for 10-15 four-person tents. The site is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, drinking water and a vault toilet. Access to Blackfoot River is within walking distance from the campground. Natural Features Visitors to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are treated spectacular scenery as well as an abundance of natural and cultural resources in the area. Rugged ridges, alpine meadows, forests, grasslands and rivers provide wildlife diverse ecosystems. Grizzly bear, lynx, wolverine, deer, elk, gray wolf, moose, black bear, mountain lion, mountain goat and mountain sheep all call the area home. Nearby Attractions Located in Northwestern Montana on both sides of the Continental Divide, the Scapegoat Wilderness-Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is more than 1.5 million acres, the third largest in the lower 48 states. The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806 spent many months traveling through the varied scenery of Montana. Many areas of the landscape along the expedition's route on the Helena National Forest look much the same as in 1805-1806. Visit the routes of the famous explorers on public lands in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Click here for more information about the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.