Clark Fork River Area

The Clark Fork River Area (Cabinet Ranger District) is bordered by the Idaho line on the west and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness on the east. The Clark Fork River flows north and west through the District, and the Bull and Vermilion Rivers join it from the north. Rugged peaks ranging in elevation from 6000-8700 feet overlook the valley bottom.

Almost ½ million acres of National Forest lands offer a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. Approximately 400 miles of trail are available to the hiker, hunter, and stock user to access various lakes and scenic viewpoints. 150 miles of these trails are open to motorized use. The District maintains almost 400 miles of open road, and many miles of gated roads offer additional opportunities to mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.

Four developed campgrounds with boat launches provide access to the Noxon and Cabinet Gorge Reservoirs. Fishing, canoeing, and swimming are popular in the numerous other lakes and streams.

The District maintains two lookout towers and one cabin for rental to the public.

Winter activities include cross country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. A groomed snowmobile route is located on the south side of the Clark Fork River which accesses the popular Gem Saddle Snowmobile Shelter.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Sand Play

Areas for Sand Play at Clark Fork River Area

Triangle Pond

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Clark Fork River Area

Cabin Rentals

Status:	Open

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Clark Fork River Area

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Clark Fork River Area

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Clark Fork River Area

Ice Fishing

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Clark Fork River Area

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at Clark Fork River Area

Bull River Guard Station

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Clark Fork River Area

Big Game Hunting

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Clark Fork River Area

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Clark Fork River Area

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Clark Fork River Area

Triangle Pond

Snowmobiling

The Cabinet Ridge Riders groom approximately 42.5 mile snowmobile route up Marten Creek to the Gem Saddle warming hut and down along the Stevens Ridge road 214.

Areas for Snowmobiling at Clark Fork River Area

#SNO151 Martin Creek Snowmobile Trailhead

Quick Links

Rules For Vistors to the National Forest [PDF, 239K]

Recreation Areas

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Highlights

Be Bear Aware!
Montana is bear country! Learn about bears and safe practices while visiting the Kootenai
Food Storage Order
A food storage order signed in 2022 requires food storage practice across the Forest to reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters
Know Before You Go

Regardless of the activity, always be prepared! Stay informed of current conditions and follow safe practices when enjoying your National Forests
Leave No Trace

Visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace principles while on the Kootenai National Forests to help maintain this abundant ecosystem and sustainable recreation.
Weed Free Forage
It is a violation of rule (FS) and law (State of Montana) to utilize forage or mulch materials that contain the seeds of noxious weeds