Explore the Forest!

Kootenai Falls is one of the largest free flowing waterfalls in the northwest. The calm river suddenly gathers momentum surging first through China Rapids and then over the falls, dropping 90 feet in less than a mile. The main falls is 30 feet high and can be viewed from a “swinging bridge” that crosses the river.

The Ross Creek Cedars Nature Trail on the Three Rivers Ranger District will be undergoing much needed improvements and closed for the majority of the 2025 season. The closure start date is May 1st and anticipated to last until September 2025. For more information, please call the Three Rivers Ranger District at 406-295-4693.

With the Canadian border on the north side, the Ten Lakes Area is dominated by a high ridge of the Whitefish Mountains. Alpine glaciers carved deep scallops, or cirques, and high, rim-rocked basins which shelter numerous small lakes.

Stone Hill has all the qualities of a premier sport climbing area. Climbers are attracted to this hidden area in the northwestern corner of the state because of the steep quartzite cliffs. The views of an open ponderosa pine forest and Lake Koocanusa make this undeveloped area stand out from the rest.

Located within the heart of the Kootenai National Forest, the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness contains over 93,000 acres of beautiful, rugged, glacier-carved mountains.

This stretch of State Highway 37 parallels Lake Koocanusa for 67 miles. The view of the lake is fantastic and there are numerous camping, picnicking, and boat access points located along the byway. Two marinas are also on the byway.