| alert |
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| contractID |
NRSO |
| description |
Diamond Butte Lookout is perched atop a 30-foot masonry tower on Diamond Butte at an altitude of 4,245 feet in the Custer National Forest approximately 50 miles from Ashland, Montana. The lookout was moved from its original location of Yeager Butte in 1958 and was an active fire lookout until 2001. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This vantage point offers the chance to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and star gazing on clear nights. The lookout is accessible by car, but it is a 200-foot walk up a steep hill to the lookout from the parking area. Guests should be prepared to bring most of their own supplies and gear. |
| drivingDirection |
From Ashland, Montana: travel east on State Highway 212 for approximately 3 miles. Turn south onto Otter Creek Road and travel 20 miles. Just past the Fort Howes Work Center, turn east onto Taylor Creek Road and travel 12 miles to Sonnette Divide Road. Turn north onto the Sonnette Divide Road for 2 miles then turn east on the Diamond Butte Lookout Road. Travel 1 mile to the lookout. |
| facilitiesDescription |
The lookout can accommodate 4 people and is furnished with a table, chairs and 3 beds with mattresses. Propane appliances include a cook stove with an oven, lights and a heater. A few cooking and eating utensils are provided, along with a broom, mop and bucket. Parking and an outhouse with a pit toilet are located at the gate 200 feet below the lookout. A wagon is stored in the lookout's basement to help haul gear. Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving. |
| facility |
DIAMOND BUTTE LOOKOUT |
| facilityID |
75222 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75222&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing Be bear aware: keep all food, trash and scented items stored inside the cabin Guests must pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure Learn more about the <a href=" http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/custer/home">Custer National Forest Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. |
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| note |
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| orientationDescription |
The lookout offers expansive views of the nearby hills and the distant Bighorn Mountains, which are about 100 miles away. Vegetation is sparse, but sagebrush and lupin thrive on the surrounding landscape. Wildlife in the area includes fox, black bear and a variety of bird species ( bear safety ). |
| recreationDescription |
Trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are located near the lookout. Opportunities are available to enjoy off-road vehicle riding and hunting. |