Gem Peak Lookout Rental
Closed — 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.
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
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.
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) 827-3533 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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