Kootenai National Forest

Located in the northwest corner of the state, the Kootenai National Forest is bordered by Canada to the north and Idaho to the west. Its 2.25 million acres offer 35 campgrounds with 609 units, some of which are open all year.

Over 300,000 acres of backcountry are available to recreationists. Backcountry permits are not necessary. With over 70 miles of groomed trails, hiking is popular in the summer, and snowmobiling in the forest is a popular winter activity. Hunting, fishing, and boating are also favorites.

Two major rivers — The Kootenai and the Yaak, flow through the forest. The Fisher, Tobacco, and Vermilion rivers are smaller tributaries within the forest. More than 100 lakes, ranging from small alpine lakes to the 1,240 acre McGregor Lake, are found within the forest’s boundaries.

The Kootenai National Forest includes the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, the Ten Lakes Scenic Area, the Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, and the Ross Creek Scenic Area. Additionally, there are five national recreation trails: Trout Creek Loop Trail; Pulpit Mountain Trail; Skyline Mountain Trail; Boulder-Vinal Trail; and Little North Fork Trail near Lake Koocanusa.

Forest roads may be accessed from U.S. highways 2 and 93 and Montana state highways 200, 56, 37, and 508.