Gem Peak

Total Miles
1.6

Elevation

1,782.98 ft

Duration

0.5 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Fall, Summer, Spring

Trail Overview

This narrow, steep run to the top is rutted and rocky with a few loose climbs. There are excellent views, and if you're lucky, the lookout rental cabin road will be open for you to get the whole way to the top. If not, you should respect the privacy of those who rented the lookout cabin. There is one dispersed camping spot right below the gate and Two bars of LTE cell service at the top.

Photos of Gem Peak

Gem Peak
Gem Peak

Difficulty

Ruts rocky, and some steeper climbs. Mostly narrow, but overall not super difficult.

History

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.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

From Noxon: Travel the 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 the 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.

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