Helena National Forest - Montana

Hike 1,000 miles of nature-filled trails and explore Native American cliff paintings and historic mining ruins. Re-live the western Gold Rush and pan for gold!

Close to one million acres in size, Helena National Forest is filled with American history from the first Native American inhabitants to the booming days of gold mining. Today, the forest's natural beauty and array of recreational activities make it a draw for nature and history-lovers alike. Visitors can go fishing on the Blackfoot and Missouri Rivers, and enjoy unforgettable hiking along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The Helena National Forest features grassy parks interspersed with pine and Douglas-fir forests, as well as the Mountains of the Continental Divide and spectacular alpine scenery which characterize the Scapegoat Wilderness and the western portion of the Forest.

There are opportunities for camping, snow-skiing, and wildlife viewing as well as fishing for native cutthroat trout and other fish species which fill the clear mountain lakes and streams. Even history lovers will be pleased with the ancient Indian cliff paintings and historic mining ruins, and the whole family can enjoy the ample selection of scenic drives. Don't forget to try your hand at gold-panning, where traces of the gold miners of old still scatter the banks of streams.

The Helena National Forest is located in west central Montana and surrounds the capital city of Helena. Interstate 15 runs north-south and US Highway 12 runs east-west through the area.