A good solid lookout that's well cared for by the Cabinet Ranger District. There's hardly any vibration when walking around the catwalk or inside the cab making it a good platform for photography. The only thing I missed seeing was some cabinet space. There's not a single one, except for the base of the fire finder and it was already filled up with stuff. It might be a good idea to bring a camp table. There is room for one. It was over an hour's drive from Noxon, so be prepared for that. But the roads were good and well signed, making it difficult to get lost. There was plenty of firewood for the wood stove but you have to carry it up three flights of stairs. Also, there was no axe for splitting, so don't forget to bring one. The stove heated the cab in a jiffy but there seemed to be a crack in the welding near the top far right corner that leaked smoke when the stove door was open. All in all, the positive aspects of Gem Point far outweigh the minor, negative ones, making it a trip you won't soon forget.

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 miles 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 mile 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.