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Montana Vacation Guide

Montana National Forests

RED LODGE POST

National Forests are a huge resource in Montana. The state has 16,893,000 acres of national forests. These forests cover 18% of the total land area in Montana. Most of the national forest lands in Montana are in the western mountainous parts of the state.

national forests MT
National Forests, Montana. Courtesy National Forest Service.

The National Forest Service manages ten (10) national forests in Montana. By name, the national forests:

  • Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest
  • Bitterroot National Forest
  • Custer National Forest
  • Flathead National Forest
  • Gallatin National Forest
  • Helena National Forest
  • Idaho Panhandle National Forest (smidgen in Mont.)
  • Kootenai National Forest
  • Lewis and Clark National Forest
  • Lolo National Forest

The national forests in Montana are often spread across large geographical areas. But the forests are not always in a single block of land. Segments of the the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest are large tracts, separated by land holdings of other parties, for example.

Trees dominate the landscape in Montana’s national forests. In addition, many species of shrubs and other plants are common. The forests are also a refuge for an abundance of wildlife, including mammals and birds. Lakes, rivers, and streams in the national forests have a variety of fishes.

Most of the trees are conifers, about 17 types, including pines, spruce, and firs. Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, and ponderosa pine are common conifer species. One estimate says that 66% of the trees in western Montana forests are conifers. Conifers have needle-like leaves. Conifers give forests a dark-green appearance.

About five (5) species of hardwoods (broadleaf trees) grow at lower elevations. Hardwoods have broad leaves. Areas with broadleaf trees tend more toward lighter green. Aspen is especially beautiful in the fall season, when its leaves are brightly colored yellow and orange.



As for mammals, mule deer, white-tailed deer, lynx, mountain lion, elk, and black bear are common. In some forests, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and gray wolves, may roam the land. Each national forest in Montana tends to have its own special mix of wildlife.

Among the various fishes, anglers especially seek several species of trout: Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Western Cutthroat Trout. Mountain Whitefish is another common species. Less common are Arctic Grayling, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, and Lake Trout.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Website shows the range for each species. Consult FWP’s Field Guides. Research will reveal the kinds of wildlife and fishes which inhabit various geographic areas of the state.

Douglas
Douglas fir is a common conifer in Montana’s forests. Photo courtesy National Forest Service.

 

Indian Painbrush
Indian Paintbrush. Photo courtesy National Park Service.

 

great horned owl
Great Horned Owl. Photo courtesy NPS.

 

Beaverheed NF
Fun on a lake in Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest. Photo courtesy National Forest Service.

 

Flathead NF
Flathead National Forest. Photo courtesy National Forest Service.

 

Beaverhead NF
Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest, Photo courtesy National Forest Service.

 

Kootenai cabin
Rustic cabin in Kootenai National Forest in Montana. Cabin owned and rented by U.S. Forest Service. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

For the public, Montana’s national forests are highly valued for recreation. Opportunities for picnicking, camping, bird watching, hiking, skiing, fishing, biking, boating, horseback riding, hunting, scenic drives and more are found in national forests.

Before heading out to a national forest, get good maps for the areas you want to explore. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) sells maps for each national forest. Cost is $14 per map plus a handling charge.

Lolo NFS map
Map Ninemile Ranger District Lolo National Forest.

Some maps may be available at National Forest District Offices at various locations, such as the Missoula Ranger District Office (24 Fort Missoula Road) 406-329-3750. Commercial vendors, such as sporting goods stores in western Montana also may carry and sell maps of local national forests. The National Forest Service provides online Interactive maps which are useful, too.

Use NFS Website to find Websites of national forests in Montana (listed above). A navigation box labeled “Find a Forest or Grassland” appears on the right side of the National Forest Service’s Homepage.  Forest Service Websites have information on recreation opportunities, maps & publications, and more.

The Forest Service does not charge for general access to Montana’s national forests. But a recreation fee may be charged for specific facilities, such as campgrounds and cabins, and special services. At Custer-Gallatin National Forest, the fee in 2020 for use of Canyon Campground, $7. For Porcupine Cabin, $45. Other fees may apply.



In some cases facilities are free. Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana has around 600 basic campsites with little or no development. All are free.

When fishing or hunting in Montana national forests, regulations of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks apply. A non-resident fishing license, 12-years of age and older, is only $42.50 for two consecutive days. A Montana fishing license is easy to snag at most local sporting goods stores.

Nothing will break a family’s budget, when using national forests in Montana.  Fully explore if fees are charged before you go. And remember, if fees are charged, you get some nice facilities and services as part of the deal. Reservations can be made on a site called Recreation.gov

More generally, visitors to national facilities can buy an Interagency Annual Pass.  This pass is good for visiting federal sites in Montana and other states. $80. A best deal is an Interagency Annual Senior Pass for $20, if 62 or older.

If you are planning to visit national parks, consider: The standard entry fee for a seven-day pass at Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks is $35. Seniors, 62 or older, can save big with an Annual Senior Pass, only $20.

Forest Service pass

 

Interagency Senior Pass

Check for details on the NFS’s Website:

Selected National Forest Service Offices in Montana:

  • Beaverhead-Deer Lodge NF, Butte (406) 683-3900
  • Custer Gallatin NF, Billings (406) 255-1400
  • Custer Gallatin NF, Bozeman (406) 587-6701
  • Helena NF, Helena (406) 449-5490
  • Kootenai NF, Libby (406) 293-6211
  • Lewis & Clark NF, Great Falls (406) 791-7700
  • Lolo NF, Missoula (406) 329-3750
  • Bitterroot NF, Hamilton (406) 363-7100
  • Flathead NF, Kalispell (406) 758-5204

Montana’s national forests may be overlooked by some visitors. But the potential for enjoyable recreation is almost limitless. Visit your national forests!


Absaroka Mountain, Mont.

© 2021 John Sandy

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Current weather in Montana cities: Check the weather often.  Find weather here for cities across the state. Weather can change quickly in the mountains and on the plains. Be prepared.

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About Montana

Enjoy the Treasure State. Learn about people and places.

 

 

 

Books on travel in the Treasure State. A few history books, too. Snag and read a few books before you go.

 

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

Wonderful lodging of all kinds is available for travelers in most cities, big and small. Here are a few choices that are sure to please. Prices for rooms are a bit higher during the peak tourist season. Lodging in Montana is still a good value, however.

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Experience the Treasure State

  • Trip planning Glacier National Park Montana.
  • Skiing Montana
  • Radon Health Mines
  • Glacier Park Chalets
  • Thomas Cruse: Prospector, Banker, and Rancher
  • Lookout Cabin Rentals
  • Montana National Forests
  • Bozeman Hotels
  • Yellowstone Park Entrances
  • Current Weather in Montana
  • Glacier Park Webcams
  • Blackfeet Tribe and Glacier Park
  • Saint Mary Lake
  • Glacier Reborn
  • Wildlife Refuges
  • Montana on my Mind
  • Best Museums
  • Ghost Towns
  • Many Glacier Hotel
  • Luxury Ranches and Resorts
  • Trail of the Cedars
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  • Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Glacier Park Transportation
  • Going-to-the-Sun Road
  • Glacier National Park
  • Mountain Goats
  • Many Glacier Campground
  • Hiking Glacier
  • Big Timber Cabin Rentals
  • Hotels
  • Snapshot of Livingston
  • Susan Geiger (Rahway) and Carl Rowan (Butte) – life histories
  • Cabin Rental
  • Snapshot of Kalispell

RSS Glacier Official News

  • Glacier National Park 2023 Vehicle Reservations Open February 1 30/01/2023
  • Glacier National Park Announces Plans for 2023 Reservations 16/12/2022
  • Glacier National Park Hiring for the 2023 Season 21/11/2022
  • Going-to-the-Sun Road Closes October 16 14/10/2022

RSS Yellowstone Official News

  • Yellowstone's winter season begins Dec. 15, 2022 08/12/2022
  • UPDATE: Yellowstone National Park releases name of individual involved in incident at West Thumb Geyser Basin 17/11/2022
  • Yellowstone visitation statistics for October 2022 15/11/2022

Hiking In Helena Montana

Want to go hiking in the mountains. Try the trail that goes to the top of Mt. Helena, in Helena. This is an easy one even for young people. Elevation at top, 5,468 feet. Biking allowed too. The view of the mountains to the south and west from the top is awesome.

Don’t Miss in Montana

Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena. *** Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. *** Bigfork, a quaint and charming town in the wilderness. *** Funky downtown Missoula.

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Shop Merino Wool Clothing

Made is Montana is always special. For the finest Merino Wool clothing go online to DuckworthCo.com. Wool used in their products comes from sheep raised on a ranch in southwest Montana.

Montana Luxury Vacations

Luxury vacation destinations offer extra nice lodging, great cuisine, and abundant activities, all in beautiful surroundings:. Triple Creek Ranch near Darby, Montana in the Bitterroot Valley offers so much. (406) 821-4600. TrippleCreekRanch.com. *** The Resort at Paws Up near Greenough, Montana, located 35 minutes northeast of Missoula, rivals the best. (877) 580-6343. PawsUp.com *** The Sage Lodge, a few miles south of Livingston, Montana, offers luxury and great amenities. This is a new resort. In a word, very Nice. (855) 400-0505. SageLodge.com *** The Silver Bow Club, in southwest Montana, offers luxury and wonderful outdoor activities. In Divide, Montana. (406) 491-2157. Silverbowclub.com ***

Gold Prospecting Supplies

The Prospector Shop is on U.S. Highway 12 a few miles west of Helena, Montana. A great place to pick up all kinds of supplies needed for prospecting. Gold mining pans and more. Nice souvenirs here too for wanna-be prospectors. Call (406) 442-1872.

Starbucks in Montana Too

Hey you are in far away Montana.  But finding a familiar coffee shop is a good thing.  Starbucks coffee houses:  in Billings (Grand Avenue); in Kalispell (Main Street); in Bozeman (Main Street) in Missoula (Reserve Avenue); in Helena (Prospect Avenue); in Great Falls (10th Ave. South).

Photo gallery Montana (click on image below)

Blackfeet Nation

Blackfeet Nation (Native Americans) seek to keep cultural traditions alive. Their reservation borders the east side of Glacier National Park in north-central Montana. Flathead Beacon story.

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