PARADISE LAKE DISPERSED SITE 12
Access to high-elevation backcountry areas in the Ten Lakes is typically limited by snow until late spring or early summer. No specific closures affect the Ten Lakes Scenic Area. Check current trail and road conditions with the Eureka Ranger District before heading out, as December 2025 flooding caused damage to some forest roads in the region.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
R1-2023-02 - 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.
About
Paradise Lake Dispersed Site 12 is a designated backcountry campsite at Paradise Lake within the Ten Lakes Scenic Area, a 14,945-acre protected landscape along the Canadian border in northwest Montana. Designated as both a Scenic Area (1964) and a Wilderness Study Area (1977), the Ten Lakes offers exceptional alpine solitude with panoramic views of the Whitefish Mountains extending into Canada. The area is accessed via Forest Roads 114 and 319, approximately 20 miles off Highway 93 near Eureka. From trailheads, hikers traverse rugged terrain to reach Paradise Lake and other alpine destinations. Motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited throughout the Scenic Area and portions of the WSA, except for over-snow vehicles in winter. Most lakes have designated campsites that visitors are encouraged to use to protect water quality. This is true backcountry camping requiring full self-sufficiency. The Ten Lakes is a pack-in/pack-out area with no trash services. Campers should use designated fire rings or backpack stoves, suspend food at least 10 feet high due to black and grizzly bear activity, and carry adequate water supplies. Stay limits follow Kootenai National Forest regulations: maximum 16 consecutive days and 32 cumulative days per calendar year.
Directions
From Eureka, Montana, travel approximately 20 miles via Highway 93 and then Forest Roads 114 and 319 to reach trailheads accessing the Ten Lakes Scenic Area. Paradise Lake is reached by hiking from trailheads such as Bluebird Trailhead. Check current road conditions as high-elevation forest roads may be impassable due to snow or seasonal closures.
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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