Clay Butte Fire Lookout

Overview

Perched near 10,000 feet, Clay Butte Fire Lookout delivers big‑sky views across the Beartooth Plateau and Absaroka Range. When staffed, the lower level doubles as a tiny museum with interpretive displays and original Osborne Firefinders that show how lookouts once spotted smokes. As of September 23, 2025, the U.S. Forest Service lists the site closed for the 2025 season, so expect no services and possible gate closures.

Getting There

Turn off US‑212 onto Forest Road 142 and climb roughly 2.6–3 miles on gravel to the summit. The spur is narrow with a few one‑lane stretches, potholes, and sharp turns—slow and steady wins here, especially after rain. The access window is typically late May to mid‑October, but mountain weather rules the schedule. The final quarter‑mile to the tower is often gated outside 8 am–5 pm when the site is operating.

On‑Site Experience

At the top you’ll find a small parking area, a viewing deck, and interpretive signs. There’s a vault toilet (no potable water) and a couple of picnic spots when the site is open. Winds can be fierce and temperatures swing fast—pack layers even in midsummer.

History

Started by Civilian Conservation Corps crews in the early 1940s and finished by the Shoshone National Forest, the lookout worked active fire detection into the 1960s. A remodel in the early 1960s added a ground‑level observation room. It’s now a listed property on the National Register of Historic Places and is occasionally staffed by volunteers who share the story of fire detection and notable blazes like the 1988 Clover‑Mist fire.

Wildlife & Wildflowers

This high‑alpine shoulder is classic habitat for mountain goats, marmots, and pikas, with moose roaming nearby drainages. Grizzly bears use the meadows and timber below—carry bear spray and give wildlife plenty of space. Post‑snowmelt, the slopes burst with wildflowers such as mountain bluebells and green gentian.

If the Gate Is Closed

You can still walk the road: it’s about 5.2 miles round‑trip with roughly 800 feet of gain. Give yourself 2–3 hours, and remember you’re at altitude—pace accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

• Season: After snowmelt (roughly late June–August) for clear roads and peak wildflowers.
• Time of day: Early morning for calmer winds and crisp views; late afternoon for warm side‑light on the plateau.
• Days: Midweek sees fewer vehicles on the spur road.
• Practical: When operating, expect day‑use hours and the upper gate typically open 8 am–5 pm; always check the latest U.S. Forest Service status before you commit.