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Recreation
The Flathead National Forest contains three wilderness areas, two ski areas, impressive mountain ranges, lakes, wild and scenic rivers, campgrounds, picnic areas, and cabins. Hiking, wildlife viewing, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, and skiing are just some activities enjoyed year-round. Whether you prefer the solitude of hiking in wilderness or the camaraderie found at popular boating and picnic areas, the Flathead National Forest offers a multitude of recreation opportunities for all.
Finding a Recreation Area or Activity
On our website, recreation opportunities are organized by districts or activity type. Note the area on our forest you'd like to stay or explore, under the right column heading 'Areas & Activities', 'Find an Area' select the district that covers that area, then view/select the available recreation activities. Or, choose an activity under the Recreation heading on the left side of the web page and see where on the forest it is offered. Either way, we're sure you'll find exceptional recreation opportunities on the Flathead National Forest.
The District Vicinity Map displays the district boundaries, where they are located on the Flathead Forest, and their relation to surrounding forests and Northwestern Montana.
Recreation Conditions Report
| Area Name | Status | Area Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Creek Cabin | None | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Ashley Lake North Campground | None | Weather dependent. For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204. |
| Ashley Lake South Campground | None | Weather dependent. For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204. |
| Beaver Creek Campground | None | For condition information call Spotted Bear RD, 406-758-5376. |
| Ben Rover Cabin | Open | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Big Creek Campground | Open | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Challenge Cabin | None | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Devil Creek Campground | None | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Devil's Corkscrew Campground | None | For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800. |
| Doris Creek Campground | None | Closes 9/21/2021. Remains open to public with no services. Pack it in/Pack it out. See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Doris Point Boating Site | None | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Emery Bay Campground | None | Campground and gates close 9/22/2021. See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Ford Cabin | Open | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Graves Creek Campground | None | For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800. |
| Holland Lake Campground | Open | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Hornet Lookout Cabin | None | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Lakeview Campground | None | For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800. |
| Lid Creek Campground | Open | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Lindbergh Lake Campground | None | For condition information call Swan Lake RD, 406-837-7500. |
| Lost Johnny Campground | None | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Lost Johnny Point Campground | None | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Mission Lookout Cabin | Open | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Moose Lake Campground | None | Access opening date varies. For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800. |
| Murray Bay Campground | None | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Ninko Cabin | None | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Owl Creek Cabin | Open | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Peter's Creek Campground | None | For condition information call Spotted Bear RD, 406-758-5376. |
| Red Meadow Lake Campground | None | Access opening date varies. For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800. |
| Riverside Campground and Boating Site | None | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Schnaus Cabin | Open | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Silvertip Cabin Rental Cabin | None | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Spotted Bear Campground | None | For condition information call Spotted Bear RD, 406-758-5376. |
| Star Meadow Guard Station Cabin | Open | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Summit Nature Center | None | Call 406-862-1972 for conditions and more information. Hours and open dates can be found at Whitefish Mountain Resort. |
| Swan Lake Campground | Open | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Sylvia Lake Campground | None | For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204. |
| Tally Lake Campground | Open | See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link) |
| Tuchuck Campground | None | Access opening date varies. For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800. |
| Upper Stillwater Lake Campground | None | For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204. |
| Van Lake Campground and Day Use | None | For condition information, call the Swan Lake Ranger District at (406) 837-7500. |
| Wurtz Cabin | Open | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
| Zip's Place Cabin | None | For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov. |
Spotlights
Summit Nature Center
This education and visitor information center is located at the summit of Big Mountain Whitefish Mountain Resort in the lower level of Summit House. The center can be accessed by purchasing a lift ticket at the resort or by hiking the Danny On Trail. The center has a wide variety of interpretive displays on wildlife, wildflowers, trees, fire ecology, and other topics that relate to the ecosystem of northwest Montana.
Summer
The center first opened in 1990 and today over 16,000 annual visitors enjoy center displays and hands-on activities. During the summer there are daily wildflower and nature walks and families can check out an “Adventure Pack” filled with field guides and materials for fun outdoor exploring. Kids aged 7-12 can participate in the Junior Forest Ranger program.
Winter
During the week school groups strap on snowshoes to explore the winter environment. Younger grades learn how people and animals adapt to winter. Older grades learn how to enjoy the cold and snow and yet stay safe, learning about avalanches and ways to properly gear up for winter adventure. Email Teresa Wenum for information about school field trips.
COVID-19 Update – center closed for the 2020-21 winter season.
Families and teachers: download the free Junior Snow Ranger book and check out the many fun indoor and outdoor activities. Learn about what animals do in winter, snow safety, how to make your own snowshoes, what a real snow ranger does and much more.
Check out SnowSchool At Home activities for all grades, every week during the winter. For those doing virtual school, online classroom or homeschooling, a corresponding activity/curriculum guide is provided
Regulations & Brochures
- Food Storage Order: Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE)
-
Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex Regulations
- Flathead River Condition Reports
- Bear Country Safety/ Food Storage Orders
- River Corridor Regulations & Brochures
- Weed Free Seed Forage Required on All Public Lands in Montana
- Visitor's Guide to Storing Food & Attractants in Bear Country (pdf)
- Biking and Running in Bear Country (pdf)
Highlights
- Do Your Part to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in Montana! Know Before You Go!
We work hard, along with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to stop the spread of a variety of invasive species, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and Eurasian watermilfoil. You can help! Click to find out more before you head to any Montana waterways and waterbodies this summer! -
Seasonal Campground Information
-
Cabin Rental Information
- Flathead Avalanche Center
