BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 11
Closed — Inaccessible during winter due to snow. The Ten Lakes Scenic Area is typically accessible from late June or July through September, depending on snowpack. Access roads and trails are not maintained for winter use.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
Bluebird Lake Dispersed Site 11 is a primitive backcountry campsite located in the Ten Lakes Scenic Area within Kootenai National Forest. Designated as both a Scenic Area and Wilderness Study Area, this 14,945-acre region along the Canadian border is managed to preserve wilderness characteristics. The site is accessed via the Highline Trail, approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead, passing Paradise Lake along the way. The Ten Lakes area showcases dramatic alpine scenery shaped by ancient glaciers, with high rim-rocked cirques sheltering numerous mountain lakes. Bluebird Basin sits among the most spectacular portions of the scenic area, surrounded by peaks ranging from 7,400 to 7,800 feet. The landscape features Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, and the uncommon alpine larch. Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers in summer, and huckleberries grow throughout the forested areas. This is true dispersed camping in a wilderness setting. Motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited except for over-snow vehicles in designated areas. Wildlife including white-tailed and mule deer, black bears, and grizzly bears are common. The fragile high-elevation soils retain impact long after visitors leave, so staying on trails and using designated campsites is essential. Campers must pack out all trash, properly store food away from bears, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The trailhead is accessed from Highway 93 near Eureka via Forest Roads 114 and 319, approximately 20 miles from the highway.
Directions
From Eureka, drive south on Highway 93. Turn onto Forest Road 114, then Forest Road 319 to reach the trailhead. Hike approximately 3.5 miles via the Highline Trail to reach Bluebird Lake. The dispersed site is in the Bluebird Basin area.
Nearby Campgrounds
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 26 0.0mi
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 24 0.0mi
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 23 0.0mi
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 25 0.1mi
- BLUEBIRD LAKE DISPERSED SITE 22 0.1mi
- PARADISE LAKE DISPERSED SITE 12 0.2mi
- WOLVERINE LAKES DISPERSED SITE 20 1.7mi
- WOLVERINE LAKES DISPERSED SITE 18 1.7mi
- WOLVERINE LAKES DISPERSED SITE 10 1.7mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 296-2536 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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