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Welcome to the Kootenai National Forest
Come and Explore...
Encompassing the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana, the Kootenai provides tremendous opportunity for exploration!
Summer Destinations
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Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge
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Ross Creek Cedars
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Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
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Ten Lakes Scenic Area
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Stone Hill Rock Climbing
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Cabinet Mountains Wilderness
Latest Information
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Keep up with the latest on the Kootenai on our Facebook page. Click the + sign (above) to expand the section and view the Kootenai NF Facebook Feed or go directly to our Facebook page.
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Mushroom Harvesting 2023
For the 2023 season the Kootenai will only be offering one type of mushroom harvesting permit; Personal Use Free. Individuals may also harvest mushrooms at Incidental Use levels without a permit. For more information on mushroom picking, obtaining a permit, and incidental use, please use the following links.
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Kootenai Complex Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscape
In April 2022, Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack designated 10 fire prone landscapes across the Western United States as initial priorities for implementing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. This strategy outlines dramatic action that must be taken to treat hazardous fuels and reduce the risk of wildfire to communities, infrastructure, and municipal watersheds. On the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle National Forests, The Kootenai Complex was included in the initial landscape designation and plans to treat nearly 45,000 acres in 3 priority firesheds by 2026.
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Great American Outdoors Act
The Great American Outdoors Act gave the USDA Forest Service new opportunities to deliver benefits to the American public through major investments in recreation infrastructure, public lands access, and land and water conservation. These investments will contribute to economic growth and job creation in rural America.
Highlights
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Firewood Cutting
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Fire History Map
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Maps
Features
Food Storage Requirements on the Kootenai National Forest
A food storage order signed in April, 2022 requires food storage and garbage practice across the Forest to reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters.
Spotlights
Regional Orders
Regional Orders including Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products, Northern Region Occupancy and Use Restrictions, and Northern Region Camping Stay Limits
Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee
A Secure Rural Schools Resource Act Advisory Committee (RAC) provides recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects on federal lands.
Highlights
- Current Conditions
Stay current on weather and road conditions for your visit to the Kootenai - Be Bear Aware!
Learn about bear safety and the Forest mandatory food storage order. - Firewood Cutting [PDF, 183K]
Firewood permits remain free in Northern Region Forests through December 31, 2022, but you must obtain a free permit and abide by it when cutting. Contact your local office to obtain a required permit. - The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
The Kootenai is home to a portion of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.