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OHV Trail Riding
The Kootenai National Forest offers a variety of riding opportunities for Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts.
- There are approximately 89 miles of trails open to motorcycles (single track) on the Cabinet Ranger District and Libby Ranger District.
- Approximately 3,600 acres of designated OHV (highway and non-highway legal vehicles) area below high water mark on Lake Koocanusa (with exception of areas signed on the ground for resource protection).
- Approximately 200 acres of designated OHV (highway and non-highway legal) area and 9 miles designated trails (highway and non-highway legal) within the Douglas Hill OHV Area on the Rexford Ranger District.
- Approximately 32 miles of designated OHV trail (50" width or less) on the Libby Ranger District and the Cabinet Ranger District.
See our OHV Recreation Opportunities Brochure [PDF, 878K] for summary information.
Allowed Use
Motorized vehicle travel is allowed only on designated roads and trails on the Kootenai National Forest. Off-road and trail travel is prohibited unless specifically designated.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps
Legal requirements regarding wheeled motor vehicle access on the Kootenai National Forest changed as of January 1, 2010. Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) display National Forest System routes (roads and trails) and areas designated open to wheeled motorized use (over snow vehicle use does not show on the MVUM). The MVUM maps will be your tool to know where you can travel on the Forest with wheeled motorized vehicles.
- Routes not shown on the MVUM are not open to public wheeled motor vehicle travel.
- Routes designated for wheeled motorized use may not always be signed on the ground but will be identified on the MVUM.
OHV trail status can change frequently. Visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and contact the local Ranger District Office to obtain site specific and current information before heading out.
Regulations
Regulations for OHV riding in designated areas or OHV trails:
- OHV must have a Montana OHV registration decal.
- Operator of the vehicle must be at least 12 years of age and int he presence of a person who possesses a license.
- Unlicensed operators must be in possession of a certificate for the off-highway safety education course approved by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. See the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks OHV webpage for more information
- Vehicle must be equipped with a US Forest Service approved spark arrestor.
- All OHV's ridden off-road must meet 96 dba (decibel) sound limit.
OHV Trail Riding Areas
- Clark Fork River Area
- #1020 Dry Creek Trailhead
- #1070 Loveland Peak Trailhead
- #1077 Smeads Bench
- #1078 Skeleton Creek Trailhead
- #1083 Stevens Ridge Trailhead
- #1084 South Fork Pilgrim Creek
- #1099 Stevens Creek Trailhead
- #731 Dixie Ridge Trailhead
- #734 Cub Creek Trailhead
- #749 Reader Gulch Trailhead
- #756 Grays Gulch Trailhead
- #761 Chute Gulch Trailhead
- #763 Black Peak Trailhead
- #766 White Pine Ridge Trailhead
- #775 Trout Ridge Trailhead
- #785 Minton Pass Trailhead
- #799 Sorrel Gulch Trailhead
- #811 Kismet Creek Trailhead
- #896 20 Odd ATV Trailhead
- #898 20 Odd Peak Trailhead
- #998 Big Eddy Trailhead