Description
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain south of Bozeman, Montana. It is the only fire lookout for rent on the Gallatin National Forest and offers outstanding views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
It is a strenuous 2800ft elevation gain to the lookout via trail 85. In the summer distance is between 3-4 miles depending on route chosen. In the winter it can be up to 10 miles depending on weather conditions. Water must be packed in. There is no electricity. Capacity is 4 people. There is a woodstove for heating and the Forest Service supplies the firewood.
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is open year round. Access is by foot, atv, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. Price is $30 per night and the cabin can be reserved from 1 to 5 nights. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Last minute reservations (up to 3 nights in advance) are available by calling or going to the Bozeman Ranger Station (406)522-2520.
Services & Amenities:
| Within Facility |
- All Terrain Vehicle accessible
- Beds
- Bird Watching
- Broom & Dust Pan
- Dishes & Tableware
- Firewood
- Hiking
- Hiking Trail
- Hunting
- Mattress
- Photography
|
- Pots & Pans
- Scenery
- Sightseeing
- Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Stove
- Table & Chairs
- Trails
- Vault Toilets
- Wildlife Viewing
|
Alerts and Important Information
The firewood supply is likely to be very low this time of year. Be prepared to provide your own firewood. You may bring a saw (or chainsaw) to the lookout to harvest firewood for your use at the cabin ONLY. Firewood cannot be removed from the Gallatin National Forest without a 2010 firewood permit.
The Gallatin National Forest is under a food storage order and requires that "unattended food, refuse, and attractants be stored in hard-sided vehicles, bear-resistant containers, or hung at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and 4 feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole." Any violation of this is punishable by a fine.
Burning candles in the cabin is prohibited.
Make sure you have the lock combination for the cabin door before you go to the cabin. The combination code to the cabin is included in the Confirmation e-mail, or letter.
Please bring your own drinking water.
Please bring garbage bags. This facility is a, "Pack it in, pack it out," facility.
You must walk or atv approximately 3-4 miles to the lookout in the summer. You must walk, ski, snowshoe or snowmobile up to 10 miles to the lookout in the winter.
Cabin Renter must be at least 18 years of age. Maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people.
No shooting of firearms within 150 yards of cabin.
Horses not allowed within 100 yards of cabin.
Pets not recommended. Solid pet wastes must be removed within 100 yards of cabin.
Campfires must be contained within the Forest Service provided fire ring adjacent to the facility. No other campfires are authorized.
The burning of wood pallets is not authorized.
Minimize exposure to Hantavirus: avoid contact with rodents, keep a clean cabin, store food in sealed containers, pack out garbage, and report heavy rodent activity to the Bozeman Ranger Station.
Use of cabin for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Getting There:
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout (MT)
3710 W FALLON STREET SUITE C
Bozeman MT 59718
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.42667, -111.20639
Head west on Huffine until you reach the intersection of Huffine, Hwy 191, Hwy 84, and Jackrabbit Lane (Four Corners).
Turn left at the stop light and proceed 18 miles south on Highway 191 until you reach Storm Castle Creek Road #132 (formerly known as Squaw Creek).
Turn left. After you cross the bridge turn right at the T-intersection. Do not turn off the main road as you pass the helibase.
Two trails access the lookout:
Summer Shortcut:
The trailhead for the 3 1/2 mile Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail #85 is approximately 1 1/2 miles up the Storm Castle Creek Road. Park in the parking lot on the left side of the road.
Take the trail south and cross Storm Castle Creek at the bridge. Due to avalanche hazards this trail is not recommended during winter months.
The Rat Lake access:
Travel about 5 miles up Storm Castle Creek to the Rat Lake Road #3112.
Turn right when the road splits.
Follow the road up approximately 1 mile to the trailhead parking area below Rat Lake. Look for the 3 big boulders.
You will encounter Rat Lake after approximately 1/2 mile. The trail follows the east/left side of the lake.
The lookout is 4 miles up old logging roads and trails from the end of the road. During winter months you may need to park near Shenango Ranger Station and ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile 10 miles to the lookout via the Storm Castle Creek and Rat Lake Roads.
GPS location, Map Datum, WGS84/NAD83 45 degrees 25'36" x 111 degrees 12'23"
Phone Park for More Information:
Information:
(406)522-2520
