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Submission
Although there are no publicly owned campgrounds in this part of the Garnet Range you are allowed to camp for up to 14 days on “Public Land” (unless otherwise designated). No camping is allowed within 1/2 mile of Garnet. You can obtain a map of the location of Public Land around Garnet Ghost Town for $4 from the BLM, Missoula Field Office: 3255 FT Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804
From State Highway 200, about 30 miles east of Missoula, turn south between mile markers 22 and 23. 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.
$3 per person, free for those less than 16 years old.
Beautiful spot & we’d definitely go again!! Absolutely no signal on the way up, so be sure to load map before heading there. Not a whole lot of signage. Hwy 200 is the best route to go. It’s a beautiful drive & room for 2-way traffic. The other route was totally harrowing! 😳
Amazing ghost town nestled on the top of a mountain. Well preserved and documented. Plenty of information plaques and most buildings have original furniture and items. Some buildings can be rented in the winter months too.
Note: entering from the north side is much easier than from 90. Driving in from 90 involves a steep rocky mountain pass that may be a little too much for a sedan or those afraid of heights
This was a really fun detour on our trip. The roads were a little rough but was able to make it there in a sedan. The buildings are really cool to look at and the staff there are super fun to talk to. Might be a bit concerned with some of the wood in the buildings, I can see it becoming a safety issue in the future. Overall fun experience I would recommend stopping here
It was an adventure to get there. The 200 route is smoother but if you are coming from the east, longer. We came through the rough ( bear gulch and cave gulch) and left on 200. Both are beautiful. The roads are one lane and pretty rough. We were able to do it with a front wheel drive vehicle so 4x4 is not necessary, but follow the signs. It was super tight when we met a car coming in the opposite direction but we were able to squeak by. The town is fun and has a beautiful setting. Some buildings are pretty rough and some have been fixed up a little. Well worth the adventure!
