## Overview

Bull River Pavilion offers an excellent view of the Bull River and surrounding
forest. It's located right in the thick of a variety of recreational
opportunities and provides a large group with the perfect place to picnic in
northwestern Montana.

## Recreation

The rivers give visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming and boating.
Large and smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow and brown trout and squawfish can be
found in the clear, cool waters. Boating, sailing and water skiing are also
popular activities on the reservoir.  
  
Visitors enjoy tours of the Noxon Rapids Dam, which is located less than 10
miles southeast of the pavilion. It is an earthen, gravity-type, hydroelectric
dam that has been in operation for more than 50 years.

## Facilities

The rivers give visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming and boating.
Large and smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow and brown trout and squawfish can be
found in the clear, cool waters. Boating, sailing and water skiing are also
popular activities on the reservoir.  
  
Visitors enjoy tours of the Noxon Rapids Dam, which is located less than 10
miles southeast of the pavilion. It is an earthen, gravity-type, hydroelectric
dam that has been in operation for more than 50 years.

## Natural Features

The pavilion is located in a wooded area at the confluence of the Bull River
and the Clark Fork River. The rivers empty into 3,200-acre Cabinet Gorge
Reservoir, at an elevation of about 2,200 feet. A variety of trees forest the
area, including cedar and Douglas fir.

## Nearby Attractions

<h2>Overview</h2>
Bull River Pavilion offers an excellent view of the Bull River and surrounding forest. It's located right in the thick of a variety of recreational opportunities and provides a large group with the perfect place to picnic in northwestern Montana.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The rivers give visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming and boating. Large and smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow and brown trout and squawfish can be found in the clear, cool waters. Boating, sailing and water skiing are also popular activities on the reservoir.<br><br>Visitors enjoy tours of the Noxon Rapids Dam, which is located less than 10 miles southeast of the pavilion. It is an earthen, gravity-type, hydroelectric dam that has been in operation for more than 50 years.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The rivers give visitors ample opportunity for fishing, swimming and boating. Large and smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow and brown trout and squawfish can be found in the clear, cool waters. Boating, sailing and water skiing are also popular activities on the reservoir.<br><br>Visitors enjoy tours of the Noxon Rapids Dam, which is located less than 10 miles southeast of the pavilion. It is an earthen, gravity-type, hydroelectric dam that has been in operation for more than 50 years.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The pavilion is located in a wooded area at the confluence of the Bull River and the Clark Fork River. The rivers empty into 3,200-acre Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, at an elevation of about 2,200 feet. A variety of trees forest the area, including cedar and Douglas fir.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>

BULL RIVER

Bull River Pavilion-Table

BULL RIVER PAVILION

Bull River Pavilion

Bull River Pavilion - Fire Pit

Bull River Pavilion - Water Spigot

## Overview

The Bull River Guard Station was built in 1908 as the Ranger's house and
office. This structure was a primary ranger station from 1908 to 1920,
surviving the legendary 1910 fires that swept through the area. The cabin was
home to Granville "Granny" Gordon (District Ranger), his wife and three
daughters.  
  
Full vehicle access to the cabin depends on weather conditions. The road is
normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter months.

## Recreation

The Bull River is 24.7 miles long from its headwaters to where it meets the
Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. Fish species include westslope cutthroat trout, large
scale sucker and mountain whitefish. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and
Parks website for fishing regulations and hunting seasons and permits.  
  
Hikers might be interested in two excellent day hiking options located near
the guard station: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and the Berray Mountain Trail
#967. Both lead to lookouts with impressive views of the Cabinet Mountains.
The Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930's, is listed on the
National Historic Lookout Register.  
  
For those interested in horseback riding, there is plenty of opportunity to
explore the surrounding land. Stock animals are not allowed in the cabin area,
but visitors may tie up across the road or 50 yards behind the station. As
always, certified weed free hay is required on all Forest Service lands.

## Facilities

The Bull River is 24.7 miles long from its headwaters to where it meets the
Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. Fish species include westslope cutthroat trout, large
scale sucker and mountain whitefish. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and
Parks website for fishing regulations and hunting seasons and permits.  
  
Hikers might be interested in two excellent day hiking options located near
the guard station: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and the Berray Mountain Trail
#967. Both lead to lookouts with impressive views of the Cabinet Mountains.
The Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930's, is listed on the
National Historic Lookout Register.  
  
For those interested in horseback riding, there is plenty of opportunity to
explore the surrounding land. Stock animals are not allowed in the cabin area,
but visitors may tie up across the road or 50 yards behind the station. As
always, certified weed free hay is required on all Forest Service lands.

## Natural Features

The Bull River Guard Station is located in the Cabinet Mountain Range near the
East Fork of the Bull River in the Kootenai National Forest.  
  
The Cabinet Mountains were named by early French settlers who thought the
mountains had a cabinet-like appearance when viewed from the valley floor.  
  
The cabin is located minutes from from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area
which is home to a large range of wildlife from the high rocks of the mountain
goat, mountain sheep, pika and golden eagle, to the lower slopes and brushy
canyon bottoms of the beaver, woodrat, and beautiful Western Tanager.  
  
Fall foliage in this area is truly stunning with a wonderful assortment of
Mountain Maple scarlets, Mountain Ash reds, Alder browns, and the Larch golden
yellows.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The Bull River Guard Station was built in 1908 as the Ranger's house and office. This structure was a primary ranger station from 1908 to 1920, surviving the legendary 1910 fires that swept through the area. The cabin was home to Granville "Granny" Gordon (District Ranger), his wife and three daughters. 
<br/><br/>
Full vehicle access to the cabin depends on weather conditions. The road is normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter months. <h2>Recreation</h2>
The Bull River is 24.7 miles long from its headwaters to where it meets the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. Fish species include westslope cutthroat trout, large scale sucker and mountain whitefish. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for <a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/" rel="nofollow">fishing regulations and hunting seasons and permits</a>.
<br/><br/>
Hikers might be interested in two excellent day hiking options located near the guard station: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and the Berray Mountain Trail #967. Both lead to lookouts with impressive views of the Cabinet Mountains. The Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930's, is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
<br/><br/>
For those interested in horseback riding, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding land. Stock animals are not allowed in the cabin area, but visitors may tie up across the road or 50 yards behind the station. As always, certified weed free hay is required on all Forest Service lands.
<h2>Facilities</h2>
The Bull River is 24.7 miles long from its headwaters to where it meets the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. Fish species include westslope cutthroat trout, large scale sucker and mountain whitefish. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for <a href="http://fwp.mt.gov/" rel="nofollow">fishing regulations and hunting seasons and permits</a>.
<br/><br/>
Hikers might be interested in two excellent day hiking options located near the guard station: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and the Berray Mountain Trail #967. Both lead to lookouts with impressive views of the Cabinet Mountains. The Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930's, is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
<br/><br/>
For those interested in horseback riding, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding land. Stock animals are not allowed in the cabin area, but visitors may tie up across the road or 50 yards behind the station. As always, certified weed free hay is required on all Forest Service lands.
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The Bull River Guard Station is located in the Cabinet Mountain Range near the East Fork of the Bull River in the Kootenai National Forest. 
<br/><br/>
The Cabinet Mountains were named by early French settlers who thought the mountains had a cabinet-like appearance when viewed from the valley floor. 
<br/><br/>
The cabin is located minutes from from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area which is home to a large range of wildlife from the high rocks of the mountain goat, mountain sheep, pika and golden eagle, to the lower slopes and brushy canyon bottoms of the beaver, woodrat, and beautiful Western Tanager.
<br/><br/>
Fall foliage in this area is truly stunning with a wonderful assortment of Mountain Maple scarlets, Mountain Ash reds, Alder browns, and the Larch golden yellows.

Kitchen Hutch

Downstairs Bedroom - Double Bed

BULL RIVER GUARD STATION

Upstairs Bedroom 2 - Twin Beds

Upstairs Bedroom 1 - Double Bed

Kitchen

Bull River Guard Station

Living Room

## 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.

## Recreation

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.

## Facilities

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.

## Natural Features

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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
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. <br/><br/>

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. <br/><br/>

Full vehicle access depends on weather conditions, but typically visitors can drive straight to the lookout.<h2>Recreation</h2>
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.<br/><br/>
There is a trailhead located near the lookout with access for both hiking and OHV riding. For more information on designated OHV-riding areas, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/kootenai/recreation/ohv" rel="nofollow">Click here</a>. Visitors may also enjoy seasonal Huckleberry picking in the land surrounding the lookout.<h2>Facilities</h2>
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.<br/><br/>
There is a trailhead located near the lookout with access for both hiking and OHV riding. For more information on designated OHV-riding areas, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/kootenai/recreation/ohv" rel="nofollow">Click here</a>. Visitors may also enjoy seasonal Huckleberry picking in the land surrounding the lookout.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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.<br/><br/>
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.

Gem Peak table

Gem Peak in 1921

Woodstove

Twin Bed

Gem Peak Lookout

Gem Peak Lookout Rental

## Overview

Minton Peak Lookout is situated in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of
5,351 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The original lookout was
constructed in 1932, replaced in 1968, and completely rebuilt in 2011. The
mountain was named after Col. David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded
(and is buried) near the mouth of Minton Creek. The lookout is typically open
from late June through mid-October and is accessible by car. This rustic
retreat offers a few amenities, but guests should pack in most of their own
supplies and gear.

## Recreation

Mountain roads and scenic trails provide access to explore the area.

## Facilities

Mountain roads and scenic trails provide access to explore the area.

## Natural Features

The lookout sits five feet off the ground and is surrounded by an evergreen
forest. It offers panoramic views of the Clark Fork Valley, the Bitterroot
Mountains to the west and the Cabinet Range to the east. This is an ideal
vantage point to enjoy sunrises and sunsets and gaze out at starry skies on
clear nights.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Minton Peak Lookout is situated in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,351 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The original lookout was constructed in 1932, replaced in 1968, and completely rebuilt in 2011. The mountain was named after Col. David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded (and is buried) near the mouth of Minton Creek. The lookout is typically open from late June through mid-October and is accessible by car. This rustic retreat offers a few amenities, but guests should pack in most of their own supplies and gear.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Mountain roads and scenic trails provide access to explore the area.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Mountain roads and scenic trails provide access to explore the area.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The lookout sits five feet off the ground and is surrounded by an evergreen forest. It offers panoramic views of the Clark Fork Valley, the Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Cabinet Range to the east. This is an ideal vantage point to enjoy sunrises and sunsets and gaze out at starry skies on clear nights.

Minton Peak Lookout-table

MINTON PEAK LOOKOUT

Minton Peak Lookout-wood stove

Minton Peak Lookout 1941

Minton Peak Lookout-twin bed

Minton Peak Lookout

## Overview

Dorr Skeels Campground is located 13 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56. The Dorr
Skeels Campground has 8 overnight campsites, including one host site and 2 day
use sites with tables and fire rings. Amenities include potable water, vault
toilets, swimming area with beach and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. A
security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily by the
camphost.

## Recreation

The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming
area. There are several day use sites available for guests.

## Facilities

The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming
area. There are several day use sites available for guests.

## Natural Features

At an elevation of 2,344 feet, the campground is nestled among mature pines at
the north end of Bull Lake in the Bull Lake Area. The lake spans 1,162 acres.
The lake is popular with recreationists as well as fisherman. Many species of
fish can be found there including brook trout, bull trout, kokanee, small and
large mouth bass, pike, suckers, whitefish and perch.

## Nearby Attractions

The campground lies along the western edge of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness
and is just north of an ancient cedar grove, Ross Creek Cedars.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Dorr Skeels Campground is located 13 miles south of Troy on Hwy 56. The Dorr Skeels Campground has 8 overnight campsites, including one host site and 2 day use sites with tables and fire rings. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets, swimming area with beach and a fully developed boat ramp with dock. A security gate is closed at 10:00 pm and opened at 07:00 am daily by the camphost.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming area. There are several day use sites available for guests.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campground has a boat ramp with dock, a beach area and bouyed off swimming area. There are several day use sites available for guests.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>At an elevation of 2,344 feet, the campground is nestled among mature pines at the north end of Bull Lake in the Bull Lake Area. The lake spans 1,162 acres. The lake is popular with recreationists as well as fisherman.  Many species of fish can be found there including  brook trout, bull trout, kokanee, small and large mouth bass, pike, suckers, whitefish and perch.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The campground lies along the western edge of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and is just north of an ancient cedar grove, Ross Creek Cedars.</p>

Bull River Pavilion

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Bull River Guard Station

Gem Peak Lookout Rental

Minton Peak Lookout

Dorr Skeels Campground