Kootenai National Forest - Montana

Tel: (406) 293-6211

Explore ranges of high, craggy peaks and take a self-guided hike through ancient cedars at the Kootenai National Forest! See Snowshoe Peak in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, which at 8,738 ft. is the forest's highest point!

Kootenai National Forest boasts 141 lakes that range from small alpine lakes to the 1,240-acre Bull Lake, as well as the Ten Lakes Scenic Area which offers both scenery and solitude with awesome vistas of the Whitefish Mountains. With alpine glaciers and high, rim-rocked basins with lofty peaks and deep valleys, there's plenty of natural setting to provide unforgettable primitive recreational opportunities. Visitors can take a hike through a grove of ancient Western Red Cedar trees along the self-guided nature trail, or check out Kootenai Falls, a splashing scenic attraction. There are more than 20 trails leading into the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness which give access to dozens of small lakes (great for swimming), ridge top panoramas, alpine meadows, and five National Recreation Trails with a combined mileage of approximately 70 miles.

The more adventurous visitors to Kootenai National Forest will love the 300,000 acres of backcountry which offers downhill and cross-country skiing with groomed trails, and there are over 153 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Anglers should take advantage of the Koocanusa Reservoir, an excellent kokanee salmon fishery. The Kootenai National Forest has 40 campgrounds, and for those who would like to enjoy a true mountaintop experience, six lookouts are available to rent on a recreation basis.

The Kootenai National Forest is located in the extreme northwest corner of Montana, bordered on the north by Canada and on the west by Idaho. Access into the forest is available from U.S. Highways 2 and 93, and Montana State Highways 37, 56, 200, and 508.