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 Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Recreation Conditions Report

Area Name	Status	Area Conditions
Anna Creek Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Ashley Lake North Campground		Weather dependent. For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204.
Ashley Lake South Campground		Weather dependent. For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204.
Beaver Creek Campground		For condition information call Spotted Bear RD, 406-758-5376.
Ben Rover Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Big Creek Campground		See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Challenge Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Devil Creek Campground		Opens 5/28/2021 See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Devil's Corkscrew Campground		For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800.
Doris Creek Campground		Opens 5/21/2021. See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Doris Point Boating Site		Campground closes 9/17/2020. Boat launch gate open, no services. See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Emery Bay Campground		Opens 5/20/2021 See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Ford Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Graves Creek Campground		For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800.
Holland Lake Campground		See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Hornet Lookout Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Lakeview Campground		For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800.
Lid Creek Campground		Opens 5/21/2021 See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Lindbergh Lake Campground		For condition information call Swan Lake RD, 406-837-7500.
Lost Johnny Campground		See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Lost Johnny Point Campground		Opens 5/21/2021. See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Mission Lookout Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Moose Lake Campground		Access opening date varies. For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800.
Murray Bay Campground		Opens 5/24/2021 See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Ninko Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Owl Creek Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Peter's Creek Campground		For condition information call Spotted Bear RD, 406-758-5376.
Red Meadow Lake Campground		Access opening date varies. For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800.
Riverside Campground and Boating Site		Campground opens 5/27/2021 See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Schnaus Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Silvertip Cabin Rental Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Spotted Bear Campground		Weather dependent. For condition information call Spotted Bear RD, 406-758-5376.
Star Meadow Guard Station Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Summit Nature Center		Call 406-862-1972 for conditions and more information. Hours and open dates can be found at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Swan Lake Campground		See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Sylvia Lake Campground		For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204.
Tally Lake Campground		See conditions, fee, and location information: Flathead Valley Campgrounds (offsite link)
Tuchuck Campground		Access opening date varies. For condition information call Hungry Horse-Glacier View RD, 406-387-3800.
Upper Stillwater Lake Campground		For condition information call Tally Lake RD, 406-758-5204.
Van Lake Campground and Day Use		For condition information, call the Swan Lake Ranger District at (406) 837-7500.
Wurtz Cabin		For fee, reservation, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.
Zip's Place Cabin		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