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Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling Safety
- IPNF Avalanche Information
Avalanche advisories updated weekly in the winter, information on avalanche awareness classes, avalanche reference materials, and links to other avalanche web sites.
Snowmobiling on the Kaniksu Portion of the Idaho Panhandle NFs
Travel Restrictions Still in Effect. Over-snow motorized travel will continue to be restricted based on legal rulings of November 7, 2006 and February 27, 2007. The court‘s ruling and associated Forest Closure Order restricts motorized winter travel within portions of the designated recovery area for the woodland caribou.
Updated trail maps are available at our Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, Priest Lake Ranger District offices, and our Supervisor's Office in Coeur d'Alene. Electronic versions of the Kaniksu Area map are available online (front and back), linked below.
The IPNF plans to restart Kaniksu Over-snow Vehicle Travel Planning in 2022 to ensure winter motorized travel is consistent with current laws, regulations and other direction. The planning process will promote a balanced approach to the quantity and quality of experiences provided, and required resource management objectives including types of uses and potential restrictions.
Kaniksu Area Snowmobile Guide (Priest Lake-Bonners Ferry-Sandpoint): Front (PDF 3.6 MB) & Back (PDF 2.3 MB)
Snowmobiling on the St. Joe Portion of the Idaho Panhandle NFs
New maps are available for groomed routes on the St. Joe out of Avery (Area 40B) and Clarkia (Area 05)
Warming huts will be up at Rutledge Saddle, Round Top and Blackwell.
All grooming is subject to snow conditions and winter plowing. These routes are maintained through a partnership with Benewah and Shoshone County Groomer Boards and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
Most up to date grooming information can be found on the following facebook pages "Avery Store and Motel" and "St. Joe Snowriders"
Recreation opportunities in the Coeur d'Alene River area (Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District) of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are as diverse as the landscape. From camping on beautiful Hayden and Coeur d'Alene Lakes to wandering by foot, horse, mountain bike, motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile through backcountry areas on our hundreds of miles of trails, we offer something for everyone. Our rental cabins, Little Guard Lookout perched high on a mountain peak with unlimited vistas and historic Magee Ranger Station nestled beside a stream, allow you to experience rustic Forest Service living at its best.