White Mountain, a US Forest Service Lookout since 1934, had been updated to an L4 Lookout cabin on a 41’ wooden tower in 1954. It is on the National Register of Historic Lookouts. It has good views of the southern Bitterroot Mountains, the Great Burn Wilderness Study Area, the Idaho/Montana border and the Lolo National Forest.
Current access is hiking approximately 2 miles through forest and along a permanently closed road.
While I operated SOTA a USFS crew surveyed the structural worthiness of the Lookout. They termed the Lookout to be in good shape and on a plan for restoration and possible inclusion in the rental program.
The route on the north and east slopes is well stocked with huckleberry shrubs. Great picking on good years, like 2025.
Hiking Miles: 0.4 off-trail, 1.6 on closed access road
Elevation Gain: 1400’
Water: None along the route
Bear Spray: Recommended for all Montana summit hikes
Camping: Dispersed sites are available along the Fish Creek Road. The nearest developed campground is Lee Creek off Highway #12.
Map: US Forest Service, Ninemile Ranger District South
Directions: The Fish Creek Road can be accessed from either Highway #12 or Interstate 90. Here’s the Highway #12 description. Approximately 26 miles heading west from Lolo, MT on Highway #12 turn onto the Fish Creek Road #343. Follow Fish Creek Road for approximately 6.9 miles to Oriole Creek Road #490. Travel up #490 for approximately 4.6 miles to a logical pull out at the ridge just beyond Road #4205. (a contour map will assist). Hike through open forest and up a ridge to a sharp switchback on closed Road #4205. Continue up this road to the Lookout. Note: one could hike the total distance of Road #4205, but it would add approximately 2.5 miles to the hike.
