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 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
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.
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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