Started as a camp lookout with a 15' pole platform tower, Gem Peak remained the only one of the Noxon Ranger District's regular lookouts without permanent living quarters until 1939 when a 20' pole tower with L-4 cab was built. In 1964, the present 30' treated timber tower with R-6 flat cab was constructed. Staffed into the 1970's, it is now on the Recreation Rental program, and is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.