Gem Peak Lookout Rental
Currently closed for the season. The lookout typically opens at the end of June and operates through mid-October, weather permitting. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov with a 5-consecutive-day stay limit.
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 8:20AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Air Quality Alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Lake, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, and Silver Bow Counties has been cancelled. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at www.todaysair.mt.gov
Air Quality Alert issued August 4 at 7:12AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Lake, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/05/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels due to wildfire smoke As of 6AM on 08/04/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Hamilton, Helena, Libby, Missoula, Sleeping Giant and Thompson Falls are Moderate. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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
About
Originally activated in 1921 as a simple pole platform tent near a 15-foot open-platform tower, Gem Peak Lookout has been renovated into a comfortable overnight rental. The 225 square foot cabin sits atop a 30-foot tower in the Cabinet Ranger District, positioned above the Clark Fork River Area at the southern end of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. The structure offers incredible views of the surrounding rugged peaks ranging from 6,000-8,700 feet in elevation. The lookout accommodates up to 4 guests with two single beds and mattresses, a table, chairs, bench, and wood heating stove with firewood stored at the tower base. There is no electricity, potable water, or linens provided. A vault toilet is located outside. Guests must bring their own drinking water, food, cooking equipment, light source, bedding, and toilet paper. Pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy applies. Vehicle access is typically available directly to the lookout, weather permitting. A trailhead near the lookout provides access for hiking and OHV riding. Seasonal huckleberry picking is popular in the surrounding area.
Directions
From Noxon: Travel Pilgrim Creek Road 149 for approximately 13 miles to Road 2205. Follow Road 2205 for approximately 2 miles to the lookout. From Trout Creek: Travel Road 2229 for 11.5 miles. Turn left after Marten Creek Bridge and follow Road 151 for approximately 11 miles to the junction with Road 2213. Continue for 5.5 miles to the junction with Road 2205. Turn right and follow Road 2205 for 2 miles to the lookout.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 827-3533 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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