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Lookout and cabin wrapped with fire resistant material for the Caribou Fire in 2018

Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental

Closed

Closed for the season. The lookout typically opens at the end of June and operates through fall, depending on weather and road conditions. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.

Fire Weather Watch issued July 29 at 8:45AM MDT until August 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

July 29th, 8:45 AM — July 31st, 12:15 PM

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PALOUSE/HELLS CANYON AND CLEARWATER/NEZ PERCE... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR A PORTION OF MT... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD... ... .A dry cold front on Saturday will bring critical fire weather conditions to the region. The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Fire Weather Watch. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 in Northwest and west-central Montana. * TIMING...From Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening. * WINDS...West winds 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 15 to 25 percent. * Winds remain elevated in Fire Weather Zone 105 into late Saturday night and early Sunday morning but relative humidities will recover into the 40 and 50% range above valley floors. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Kootenai National Forest

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Kootenai National Forest

Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region

It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.

About

Garver Mountain Lookout has served as a fire detection point since 1929, with the current 40-foot-tall structure built in 1963. The lookout tower rises from the summit of Garver Mountain at 5,874 feet elevation in the Yaak area of Kootenai National Forest, one of the most remote and wild regions of Montana. The Yaak is home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, deer, and a variety of smaller mammals and birds. The 144 square foot cabin accommodates up to four guests and includes two twin beds with four mattresses, a wood stove for heating, a table, and chairs. An exterior pit toilet is available. There is no electricity or potable water; guests must bring drinking water, sleeping bags, pillows, toilet paper, matches, food, and cooking utensils. Cleaning supplies and basic equipment may be present but are not guaranteed due to vandalism. Access requires driving Forest Roads to a gate, then hiking approximately a quarter mile on a short but steep trail to the lookout. The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail passes by, and through-hikers occasionally visit. Nearby Garver Creek offers trout fishing opportunities, and day hiking is popular in the surrounding area.

Directions

From Troy, Montana, follow Highway 2 west for 9.5 miles to Yaak Highway 508. Follow Yaak Highway 508 north for 30 miles to the town of Yaak. Continue on Yaak Highway 92 to French Garver Road 276, turn right and follow to the junction with Road 5857. Follow 5857 to the gate at Garver Mountain. The road continues beyond the gate for approximately 3 miles to a parking area. A steep quarter-mile trail leads from the parking area to the lookout.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $45

Vehicle

Max RV Length 22ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (406) 295-4693

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Lookout and cabin wrapped with fire resistant material for the Caribou Fire in 2018
Garver Lookout wood stove
Garver Lookout - twin beds
Winter at Garver Lookout
Garver Lookout
Garver Lookout - double bed and table
Garver Lookout

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