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Lower Kootenai River Area
The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north. The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north.
Peaks are moderate in elevation (6000 - 7000 ft.) but are rugged due to heavy glaciation. They are renowned for their mountaineering challenge.
There are many spectacular lakes, both low elevation lakes with easy access and high elevation, subalpine lakes, accessed only by trail or 'bushwhacking'.
National Forest lands offer a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. Emphasis tends to be placed on backcountry, non-developed, semi-primitive recreation, yet urban activities such as auto touring, white water rafting, and car camping are common as well.
More than 360 miles of summer use trail are open and usable on the District. Approximately 60 miles of that are open to motorized use; the remainder is suitable for stock use, hiking, and camping. Miles of gated road offer additional routes for mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.
Dispersed car camping is common throughout the District. Four campgrounds provide developed recreation opportunities in addition to several picnic and camping areas and interpretive sites.
The District provides two lookouts and one cabin for rental to the public. Cold water and ice fishing are popular as are white water rafting, canoeing, and swimming. Berry and mushroom picking and Christmas tree cutting are seasonally popular.
Winter provides thousands of acres for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Groomed routes vary from year to year.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Areas for Mountain Biking at Lower Kootenai River Area
Campground Camping
Areas for Campground Camping at Lower Kootenai River Area
- Copper Creek Campground
- Meadow Creek Campground
- Robinson Lake Campground
- Smith Lake Campground
- Snyder Guard Station
RV Camping
Areas for RV Camping at Lower Kootenai River Area
Group Camping
Areas for Group Camping at Lower Kootenai River Area
Dispersed Camping
Areas for Dispersed Camping at Lower Kootenai River Area
Cabin Rentals
Areas for Cabin Rentals at Lower Kootenai River Area
Lake and Pond Fishing
Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Lower Kootenai River Area
- Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail #43
- Big Fisher Lake Trail #41
- Brush Lake Picnic Area
- Parker Ridge Trail #221
- Red Top Trail #102
- Robinson Lake Campground
- Smith Lake Campground
- Solomon Lake Fishing
- West Fork Trail #347
River and Stream Fishing
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Lower Kootenai River Area
Ice Fishing
Areas for Ice Fishing at Lower Kootenai River Area
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Lower Kootenai River Area
- Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail #43
- Big Fisher Lake Trail #41
- Copper Creek Campground
- Pyramid Pass Trail #13
- Red Top Trail #102
- Robinson Lake Campground
- Smith Cr - Red Top Ridge Trail #21
- Snyder Guard Station
- Solomon Lake Fishing
- West Fork Trail #347
Backpacking
Areas for Backpacking at Lower Kootenai River Area
Horse Camping
Areas for Horse Camping at Lower Kootenai River Area
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Lower Kootenai River Area
Big Game Hunting
Areas for Big Game Hunting at Lower Kootenai River Area
Small Game Hunting
Areas for Small Game Hunting at Lower Kootenai River Area
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Areas for Game Bird/Waterfowl at Lower Kootenai River Area
Trapping
Areas for Trapping at Lower Kootenai River Area
Viewing Wildlife
Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Lower Kootenai River Area
Viewing Scenery
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Lower Kootenai River Area
Picnicking
Areas for Picnicking at Lower Kootenai River Area
- Brush Lake Picnic Area
- Copper Creek Campground
- Robinson Lake Campground
- Smith Lake Campground
- Solomon Lake Fishing
Group Picnicking
Areas for Group Picnicking at Lower Kootenai River Area
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Lower Kootenai River Area
Swimming
Areas for Swimming at Lower Kootenai River Area
Ice Skating
Areas for Ice Skating at Lower Kootenai River Area
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Lower Kootenai River Area
Alerts & Warnings
- Beauty Cedar FSR 1575 Closure
- Bottom Canyon FSR 1511 Closure
- Rose Lake Informal Recreation Area Closure
- Hudlow Meadows Restoration Area Closure Order
- Catspur Creek Road and Area Closure, St. Joe Ranger District,
- Ridge Creek Salvage Sale Road Closure, CDA River Ranger District
- Hiawatha Rail Trail Closure, St. Joe Ranger District
- Green Bay Closure, Sandpoint Ranger District
- Solo Creek Quartz Dig Site Closure, Priest Lake Ranger District
Quick Links
Related Information
Location