§ 02 — OVERVIEW
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.
The Cabinet Ranger District features almost half a million acres of National Forest lands offering a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. Approximately 400 miles of trail are available to the hiker, hunter, and stock user to access various lakes and scenic viewpoints. 150 miles of these trails are open to motorized use. The District maintains almost 400 miles of open road, and many miles of gated roads offer additional opportunities to mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters. There is a trailhead located near the lookout with access for both hiking and OHV riding. For more information on designated OHV-riding areas, Click here. Visitors may also enjoy seasonal Huckleberry picking in the land surrounding the lookout.
The lookout can accommodate up to 4 people with two single beds plus mattresses, a table and chairs, a bench and a wood heating stove. The lookout is not wired for electricity, but it does come with firewood stored at the base of the tower. Guests will need to bring their own light source and cooking equipment. There is a vault toilet located outside. Potable water is not available at the tower; Visitors will need to bring enough drinking water for the extent of their stay. Cleaning equipment is provided and guests are expected to leave the tower in good condition upon departure. This is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility; trash collection is not provided. In addition to the above amenities, guests will need to bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay. Linens, pillows, cooking utensils, toilet paper, trash bags and food are not provided.
§ 04 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 05 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 06—09 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 07 — REVIEWS
§ 08 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 09 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
The Clark Fork River Area is bordered by the Idaho line on the west and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness on the east. The Clark Fork River flows north and west through the District, and the Bull and Vermilion Rivers join it from the north. Rugged peaks ranging in elevation from 6,000-8,700 feet overlook the valley bottom. The Kootenai National Forest is dominated by a mixed conifer forest, but there is also an impressive ancient cedar grove set aside as a scenic area. In the spring and throughout the summer, a succession of wildflowers add color to hillsides and meadows and in the fall, stands of western larch and aspen mix yellows with the reds of huckleberry bushes, mountain maples and mountain ash.
§ 03 — TRAILS NEARBY
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· Campground
§ 01 — VITALS
AT&T
T-Mobile
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Thu
54°F
Sunny
9 to 17 mph WSW
Fri
56°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
7 to 16 mph WSW
Sat
58°F
Sunny
8 to 15 mph NE
Sun
63°F
Sunny
5 to 9 mph ENE
Mon
68°F
Sunny
5 to 8 mph SSW
Tue
70°F
Mostly Sunny
8 to 22 mph SW
Wed
64°F
Sunny
16 to 24 mph SW
