Flathead National Forest

Quick Facts

Montana

(406) 758-5200

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Stretching along the west side of the continental divide from the US-Canadian border south approximately 120 miles lies the 2.3 million acre Flathead National Forest. The landscape is built from block fault mountain ranges sculpted by glaciers, and covered with a rich thick forest. There are 34 developed campsites within the Forest with a total of 400 family units  available. In addition to developed campsites, camping is allowed throughout the Flathead National Forest. Flathead National Forest's Jewel Basin is a 15,000 acre hiking area is maintained exclusively for hiking and camping. The Jewel Basin is located at the north end of the Swan Mountain Range east of Kalispell and is used heavily everyday throughout the summer. The Flathead National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunities pertaining to usage of rivers and lakes. The North Fork, Middle Fork, and portions of the South Fork of the Flathead River are within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and are used for floating excursions. Roads throughout the Non-Wilderness portion of the Forest provide you with an opportunity to view the landscape from your own vehicle. There are about 1,700 miles of road on the Forest open for motor vehicle travel. In addition, there are opportunities for winter sports, including one of the premiere ski areas in the Northwest region of the Forest Service. Hunting and fishing are also permitted.

Map of Flathead Nat'l Forest

Latitude, Longitude: 47.957284, -112.816544

Boating
The Flathead National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunities pertaining to usage of rivers and lakes. The North Fork, Middle Fork, and portions of the South Fork of the Flathead River are within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and are used for floating excursions. No permits are required for floating use.
Auto/Motorcycle
Roads throughout the Non-Wilderness portion of the Forest provides you with an opportunity to view the landscape from your own vehicle. There are about 1,700 miles of road on the Forest open for motor vehicle travel. However, to protect some natural resources, a number of roads may be closed at various times throughout the year.
Camping
There are 34 developed campsites within the Forest with a total of 400 family units available; some have a small daily use fee while others are free. In addition to developed campsites, camping is allowed throughout the Flathead National Forest.
Fishing
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has responsibility for regulating and managing fishing and hunting throughout Montana. Licenses are available from their office and at most local sporting goods stores.
Hiking
The Forest has 2,600 miles of hiking trails and 200 miles of designated National Recreation Trails, mostly in designated wilderness areas. Flathead National Forest's Jewel Basin is a 15,000 acre hiking area is maintained exclusively for hiking and camping. The Jewel Basin is located at the north end of the Swan Mountain Range east of Kalispell and is used heavily everyday throughout the summer.
Historic Sites
The Flathead National Forest Hockaday Museum of Art is nearby, call for more information.
Hunting
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has responsibility for regulating and managing fishing and hunting throughout Montana. Licenses are available from their office and at most local sporting goods stores.
Picnicking
Campground provide picnicking facilities, or you can stop for lunch at one of the forest's scenic lookouts.
RVing
Many campgrounds have RV sites and amenities
Winter Sports
The Big Mountain Ski Area currently ranks first in skier visits of all ski areas in the Northern Region of the Forest Service.