Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Gem Peak Lookout
Twin Bed
Woodstove
Gem Peak Lookout
Gem Peak in 1921

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

About Gem Peak Lookout Rental

The gem peak lookout is located in the Cabinet Ranger District, situated above the Clark Fork River Area at the southern end of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. The original Gem Peak Lookout was activated in 1921 as a "rag outfit"--a pole platform tent near a 15 foot open-platform tower. Today, the renovated structure includes a 225 square foot cabin atop a 30-foot tower with amenities such as a wood heating stove, single beds and of course, the incredible view of the Clark Fork River and the Noxon area. Full vehicle access depends on weather conditions, but typically visitors can drive straight to the lookout.

Number of accommodations: 1

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jun 26 to Oct 10

Campground Amenities

Cabin Interior

  • Heating

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA GEM PEAK LOOKOUT RENTAL

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Pull-through
Campfire
View Site Details

Reviews (22)

What Guests Are Saying

Gem Peak Lookout is a well-maintained and sturdy rental, offering stunning views and a clean, comfortable environment. Guests appreciated the cozy cots, well-stocked amenities, and the delightful seclusion, making it a favorite among fire lookout stays. While access to the lookout involves a rough final stretch of road and some flies can be an annoyance, the overall experience is highly positive, with recommendations for a longer stay.

Review Summary

4.5
22 reviews
5
72.7%
16
4
13.6%
3
3
9.1%
2
2
0.0%
0
1
4.5%
1

Natalia B

Verified

December 19, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GEM PEAK LOOKOUT RENTAL

4

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!

Racheal S

Verified

January 11, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GEM PEAK LOOKOUT RENTAL

3

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.

Location Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Address:
2693 Mt Hwy. 200
Trout Creek, MT, 59874-9503
United States

Elevation: 1855 feet

Distance to downtown

23 mi drive to downtown Trout Creek (about 1 hr 13 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

11AM

General

  • Please call the Ranger District at (406) 827-3533 prior to arrival to confirm your stay and access details.
  • There is no water; Guest must provide their own for drinking, cooking and washing
  • Access depends on weather conditions
  • Please pack out all trash and food and clean cabin before departure
  • This location has cell phone coverage
  • There is a 5 consecutive day stay limit. A break of 7 days is requested before making another reservation. 
  • Be aware, this facility is not cleaned between user visits. It is up to individual renters to bring their own cleaning supplies and clean before and after site use.
  • Learn more about the Kootenai National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 6, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service