Facility · Montana ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
One thousand people called Garnet home in the 1890s as they scoured the mountains for gold. Largely abandoned 20 years later when the gold ran out, today the town is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the struggles of those early miners and homesteaders. The visitor center has information about 19th century life here. Two rental cabins are available December through April; arrangements need to be made in advance by calling the Missoula Field Office BLM. Depending on weather, the visitor center is open daily from late May through September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
From State Highway 200, about 30 miles east of Missoula, turn south between mile markers 22 and 23. Follow signs for 10 miles to Garnet. From Interstate 90, take either the Drummond or Bearmouth exit and follow old U.S. 10 to the Bear Gulch Road. Follow signs up Bear Gulch for 11 miles to Garnet. This route is steep, narrow and rough. It is not recommended for trailers or RVs. Winter access from either direction is only by snowmobile, snow shoes, or cross-country skis.
46.82559, -113.33945 · 46°49'32.1"N 113°20'22.0"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.9 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
$3 per person, free for those less than 16 years old.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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