panoramic view to the SW of the cabin from the deck

Montana › Gallatin County › Custer Gallatin National Forest

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Open

Open year-round for reservations. Storm Castle Road (FS 132) is closed to all wheeled vehicles from January 1 through May 15, requiring winter access via skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling approximately 10-12 miles from the winter trailhead. Motorized trail access via Rat Lake Trail is open June 16 through December 1 for vehicles under 50 inches wide. Firewood is only supplied October through May.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

8:15 AM — August 12th, 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 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 from wildfire smoke As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. 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

About

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower originally built in 1962, now available as a rental cabin in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Perched at 8,245 feet on the summit of Garnet Mountain, it offers unobstructed 360-degree views including the Spanish Peaks to the west, the Gallatin Range to the south, Hyalite Ridge to the east, and the Gallatin River Valley to the north. The lookout is an excellent vantage point for watching sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing. The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests and includes bunk beds with mattresses, a wood stove for heating and cooking, a table, chairs, basic cookware, dishes, and utensils. An outdoor vault toilet is provided. Firewood is supplied from October through May only. Guests must bring their own water, bedding, flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies as the facility is not cleaned between every visit. Summer access is via a 4.5-mile hiking trail from Storm Castle Trailhead gaining 2,800 feet of elevation. Mountain biking and horseback are also permitted. ATVs and motorcycles under 50 inches wide can use the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. Winter access requires skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling approximately 10-12 miles from the winter trailhead, as Storm Castle Road closes to wheeled vehicles January 1 through May 15. Grizzly bears are extremely common in this area.

Directions

From Bozeman, take US Highway 191 west to Four Corners, then south toward Big Sky/West Yellowstone for approximately 21 miles to Storm Castle Road (FS 132) on the left, immediately crossing the Gallatin River on a concrete bridge. Drive 2 miles on Storm Castle Road to the Storm Castle Trailhead. Take Trail 85 south, staying left to avoid the Riverside Trail. Climb 4 miles and 2,500 feet to the lookout. Alternative motorized access (June 16-Dec 1): Continue 6.8 miles on FS 132 to FS Road 3112, then drive about 1 mile to the Rat Lake Trailhead and take Trail 416 for 6 miles.