Gem Peak

Total Miles1.6
Technical Rating
3Easy
Best TimeFall, Summer, Spring
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
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Gem Peak trail photo

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

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

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Sam C
Jul 16, 2026
2025 Toyota Tacoma
Open
NormalRough/Deteriorated
The short trip beginning from the Warming Hut up the Gem Peak Lookout is a single width rocky ledge road that can be narrow in certain areas. The gate to the lookout was open as of us going (7/16/26). Plenty of room for parking at the top with a bathroom as a bonus. Incredible views of the Cabinet Mountain Ranges as well as Eighty Peak and its rock faces.

Gem Peak Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Gem Peak Map

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