Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Easily in my top 5 lookout experiences and quality of lookouts. I spent two days here just winding down although I do wish it could have been a few more. It's remote. Very remote. I didn't hear planes or helicopters though there was an active fire going almost due south roughly 10 mi away (Character Complex). I was fortunate in having very little smoke to obscure the view, but just enough to make the sunsets ridiculously colorful.

The two track is easily managed with a normal clearance vehicle if you take your time and avoid the 100's of potholes or at least take them slowly. I came from the northeast so had no issues navigating to the lookout; there is ample signage both to and from. Also, if you're worried there's decent GPS reception.

I think everyone's pet peeve with lookouts is the condition of the vault toilets. This one was immaculate, at least as much as that word can apply to a vault toilet for public use.

The lookout had two twin beds with soft covers on the mattresses which were both in good shape. The woodstove, which I did not need to use, appeared to be very well-maintained. All the windows were screened and functioned perfectly. Only a few panes were broken, but thoughtfully covered with plywood. And unfortunately there is no Osborne fire finder.

The gate about a 1/4 mi down from the lookout doesn't lock, but there is a sign that informs potential visitors to respect the occupants' privacy if it's closed. There is enough room to park 10 vehicles at the lookout.

Our experience was excellent! We drove our fully loaded Odyssey van up Marten Creek and drug bottom a few times. We drove out on Pilgrim Creek, and that was much smoother. Propane grill underneath cabin in good shape. BYOpropane. Cabin could use a rope pulley to lift goods from ground. Also rattle-proof window latches would be an improvement. Thanks to USFS!!!!!

The ride up to the cabin is rough. Go slow.

The roads to get here were rough, but it was so worth it when you got to the top. This was my fourth lookout, and is now my second favorite in the area behind Minton Peak. We were able to comfortably sleep 6 and a dog; a couple of them on the floor of the lookout. The spot was beautiful, and the lookout had a handful of amenities and gadgets left behind by previous visitors. Highly recommend!

Do NOT follow google maps! Coming from Coeur D Alene it took us on a deadly forest road. Climbing over large sharp rocks on a narrow road, make a wrong move and you will tumble down the cliff. Pay CLOSE attention to the roads to be taken on your booking instructions. My fault, but the roads listed were coming from the north, so I thought they were suggestions from nearby towns. This was my first time staying in a lookout. The lookout itself was decent. A picnic table would have been nice. Unfortunately it had lots of flies and some windows were busted out when we were there. Even if we were able to get the flies out they would come right back in through a window. We hung out for a while and opted to leave before dark in order to ensure we found a safer route home and get away from the flies. Plugging the road on the instructions from booking we found a very pleasant route home. If the windows weren’t broken I feel we would have had a wonderful time. The area is beautiful and would have been great for ATV riding and such. Our dog enjoyed our few hours there immensely! Please don’t follow google maps. Lots of people commented in the check in book that the road they took was deadly and terrifying, but I didn’t see it in a review when we went so it doesn’t help if you don’t get the information until you’ve already taken the ride. I hope this post prevents others from having the same experience.