Garver Mtn. Lookout Rental
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically available for rental from late June through September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
Garver Mountain Lookout is perched atop Garver Mountain at an elevation of 5,874 feet in the remote Yaak area of Kootenai National Forest. This historic fire lookout has served as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1929. The original one-story log cabin remains on site, while the current 40-foot tall lookout was built in 1963 and is now available as a rental for up to four guests seeking a unique backcountry experience. The 144-square-foot lookout is equipped with two twin beds with four mattresses, a wood stove for heating, table, chairs, and basic cleaning supplies, though vandalism means these items are not guaranteed. There is no electricity or running water, and guests must pack in all supplies including drinking water, sleeping bags, pillows, toilet paper, matches, food, and cooking utensils. A pit toilet is located outside the lookout. Access requires a steep quarter-mile hike from the locked gate on Forest Road 5857. The Yaak area is characterized by minimal services and rugged beauty, offering opportunities for trout fishing in nearby Garver Creek, day hiking, and wildlife viewing. The region is home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, deer, and numerous bird species. The Yaak River and its tributaries provide habitat for cutthroat, rainbow, brook, and bull trout. The lookout sits along the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, and through-hikers may occasionally visit.
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 junction with Forest Road 5857. Follow 5857 to the gate at Garver Mountain. Park at the gate and hike approximately 0.25 miles up a steep trail to the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| 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
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