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 of the 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 webpage 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.
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, 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.
Summer 2020 COVID-19 Update and the Summit Nature Center
June 13 - September 7, 2020, watch for nature center ‘roving rangers’ on the hiking trails and in the summit and Base Lodge areas at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Bring your nature questions and look for ‘pop-up’ nature discovery talks with a ‘roving ranger’.
Kids, ask a ranger about the Jr. Forest Ranger program and outdoor scavenger hunt!
As summer progresses, we’ll continue to monitor the local COVID-19 situation and federal, state and local guidelines to determine when the nature center can safely open.
Winter
During the winter the center is open over the holidays and weekends, usually January through mid-March from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Jr. Snow Ranger program for kids 10-12.
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.
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!
During the winter the center is open over the holidays and weekends, usually January through mid-March from 11:30am to 2:30pm. 
