Gem Peak Lookout Rental
Closed for the winter season. Typically operates from late June through mid-October, weather permitting. Reservations available through Recreation.gov with a 5-consecutive-day stay limit.
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
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.
R1-2023-02 - 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.
Ross Creek Cedars Road Closure & Storm Damage Update
The Ross Creek Cedars sustained significant damage during the December 2025 flood events. Heavy rains, flooding, landslide, and debris flows that occurred in December 2025 created unstable conditions along NFS Road #398. Significant erosion undercut sections of the road, limiting access to foot and…
Rexford Bench Boat Launch Closure
Progress continues on the Rexford Bench boat launch upgrade, replacing the existing asphalt with concrete. Construction operations are expected to continue into mid-May, so a closure order will remain in place for the boat launch and lower parking area for public and worker safety. The Peck Gulch…
Big Creek Closure-Peregrine Falcon Nesting Area
A closure order is in now effect for the Big Creek Area on the Rexford Ranger District, which is a known area for peregrine falcon nesting. Peregrine falcons are particularly sensitive to disturbance and activity above their nest or rock climbing in its vicinity. Disturbance during the nesting…
Timberlane Campground Closure
A closure order is now in effect for the Timberlane Campground on the Libby Ranger District, while it undergoes much-needed improvements. The purpose of this order is for public safety during reconstruction and improvement operations in the campgroundAs you start making your summer plans and…
Libby Spring Road Closures
Spring road closures are now in effect on certain Libby Ranger District roads. All motorized vehicles over 10,000 GVW are prohibited from using or being operated on the designated roads. The purpose of this restriction is to prevent damage to road surface and base due to thawing action or excess…
Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles
A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event. The road is closed starting…
Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure
A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable. The road is currently closed at milepost 3.5 to 3.6, just north of its junction with NFS…
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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of…
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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of landslides, debris…
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). The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to…
About
Originally activated in 1921 as a pole platform tent near an open tower, Gem Peak Lookout was rebuilt in 1964 with the current R-6 Flattop cab on a 30-foot timber tower. Located in the Cabinet Ranger District above the Clark Fork River at the southern end of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, this historic lookout offers spectacular views of rugged peaks ranging from 6,000 to 8,700 feet elevation. The 225-square-foot cabin accommodates up to 4 guests with two single beds plus mattresses, a table and chairs, a bench, and a wood heating stove with firewood provided at the tower base. The lookout is not wired for electricity. A vault toilet is located outside, but no potable water is available—guests must bring all drinking water. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no trash service. The surrounding area features nearly 400 miles of trails for hiking, hunting, and stock use, with 150 miles open to motorized use. A trailhead near the lookout provides access for both hiking and OHV riding. The area is known for seasonal huckleberry picking and offers opportunities to explore the mixed conifer forests, ancient cedar groves, and wildflower meadows of the Kootenai National Forest.
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 the 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 | 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) 827-3533 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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