Flathead National Forest

From Recreation.gov

Starting 2025, Swan and Holland Lake Group site will require a non-refundable down payment. Reservations will require a down payment equal to 50% of the full nightly rate. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days prior to check-in. The Recreation.gov site will send the guest up to two reminder emails with links to facilitate payment. Those emails are sent seven days and 24 hours before the 30 day deadline. Down payments are non-refundable. If you do not complete the payment by the 30 day deadline, your reservation will be cancelled and the down payment forfeited.

Avalanche Warning issued March 12 at 7:54AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

AVWMSO The following message is transmitted at the request of Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center Sandpoint ID. ...AVALANCHE WARNING ISSUED BY THE IDAHO PANHANDLE AVALANCHE CENTER... 07:00 PDT Thu Mar 12 2026 The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ001 (MTZ001) NWS Spokane WA - ID 017 (Bonner County)...ID 021 (Boundary County)...ID 079 (Shoshone County) * WHAT...An Avalanche Warning is in effect from Thursday 7 AM PST to Friday 7 AM PST. Very dangerous avalanche conditions have developed from heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds and will last through Friday. You can very easily trigger avalanches large enough to bury or kill you, and some will release spontaneously. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain during this period. * WHERE...The West Cabinet Mountains, the East Cabinet Mountains, and the Bitterroot Mountains - Silver Valley above 4,000 feet. * WHEN...In effect from Thu 07:00 PDT to Fri 07:00 PDT. * IMPACTS...An atmospheric river and violent jet stream have joined forces to deliver heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds. Snowfall is being measured in multiple feet at higher elevations, and the new snow has formed dangerous slabs of snow and will likely cause a widespread cycle of natural avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. It will be very easy for backcountry travelers to trigger them during this period. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Travel in and around avalanche terrain is not recommended during this period. Consult http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

Avalanche Warning issued March 12 at 7:19AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

AVWMSO The following message is transmitted at the request of West Central Montana Avalanche Center Missoula MT. ...AVALANCHE WARNING ISSUED BY THE WEST CENTRAL MONTANA AVALANCHE CENTER... 08:00 MDT Thu Mar 12 2026 The West Central Montana Avalanche Center in Missoula has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ006 (MTZ006)...MTZ043 (MTZ043) * WHAT...A large winter storm with 1-3 feet of new snow and strong wind is impacting the area. * WHERE...The Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass to Lolo Pass, the Rattlesnake mountains, and the mountains above Seeley Lake. * WHEN...In effect from Thu 08:00 MDT to Fri 06:00 MDT. * IMPACTS...Snow and strong wind has increased the avalanche danger to HIGH. Large natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Consult https://missoulaavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

Avalanche Warning issued March 12 at 6:04AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

AVWMSO The following message is transmitted at the request of Flathead Avalanche Center Hungry Horse MT. ...AVALANCHE WARNING ISSUED BY THE FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER... 06:00 MDT Thu Mar 12 2026 The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ001 (MTZ001)...MTZ002 (MTZ002) * WHAT...Strong to extreme winds coupled with recent and ongoing snowfall will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. * WHERE...Slopes above 5000 feet in the Whitefish, Swan, and Flathead Ranges, and the Lake McDonald and Marias Pass areas of Glacier National Park</p> * WHEN...In effect from Thu 06:00 MDT to Fri 06:00 MDT. * IMPACTS...Natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Avalanches will release in the surface snow and on weak layers buried several feet deep, resulting in large to very large avalanches. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Consult http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 5:45AM MDT until March 12 at 3:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 55 mph with gusts up to 95 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 3 PM MDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be very difficult to dangerous, especially for high profile or light weight vehicles. Blowing dust or snow could significantly reduce visibility at times. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most intense are likely to occur through 9 AM Thursday.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 12 at 5:09AM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations between 6 to 12 inches, with 1 to 3 feet of snow in the mountains. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 12 at 5:09AM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...For the first Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches. For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. There is a high likelihood of extreme impacts from strong winds and falling and/or blowing snow on US Highway 2 east of West Glacier to Marias Pass and in backcountry and mountain areas. Wind gusts up to 80 mph but up to 100 mph in the mountains. For the second Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Polebridge, Marias Pass, Glacier National Park, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Bad Rock Canyon, and Essex. * WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until 9 AM MDT this morning. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 9 AM this morning to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening through Thursday morning. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High winds will impact all elevations through this morning with wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph, though gusts to 100 mph are possible on the highest peaks.

Blizzard Warning issued March 12 at 5:09AM MDT until March 12 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...For the first Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches. For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. There is a high likelihood of extreme impacts from strong winds and falling and/or blowing snow on US Highway 2 east of West Glacier to Marias Pass and in backcountry and mountain areas. Wind gusts up to 80 mph but up to 100 mph in the mountains. For the second Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Polebridge, Marias Pass, Glacier National Park, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Bad Rock Canyon, and Essex. * WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until 9 AM MDT this morning. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 9 AM this morning to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening through Thursday morning. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High winds will impact all elevations through this morning with wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph, though gusts to 100 mph are possible on the highest peaks.

High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 4:55AM MDT until March 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. * WHERE...Flathead/Mission Valleys. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 4:55AM MDT until March 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. * WHERE...Kootenai/Cabinet Region. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

High Wind Warning issued March 12 at 4:55AM MDT until March 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Potomac/Seeley Lake Region. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

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…

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. It also…

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.

Libby Spring Road Closures

Spring road closures are now in effect on certain Libby Ranger District roads. All motorized vehicles over 10,000 GVW are prohibited from using or being operated on the designated roads. The purpose of this restriction is to prevent damage to road surface and base due to thawing action or excess…

Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles

A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event. The road is closed starting…

Rexford Bench Campground Road & Boat Launch Closure

A temporary closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Rexford Bench Campground Road #7940 and boat launch. The closure is to provide for public safety and safe construction operations while the boat ramp asphalt is replaced with concrete.Please view the attached closure…

Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure

A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable. The road is currently closed at milepost 3.5 to 3.6, just north of its junction with NFS…

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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of…

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…

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. It also…

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.

Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions

Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathead…

Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast

Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center  The Flathead National Forest has three forecast zones for avalanches: the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park, and the Swan Range. Avalanche hazards are highly spatially variable, so…

Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure

4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.

Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order

From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .Camping or otherwise occupying a designated site for over three consecutive days within a calendar year.

Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure

NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety  due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.

Water Vessel Prohibitions

Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.

Three Forks of the Flathead River Regulations

Jewel Basin Hiking Area Regulations

Jewel Basin Hiking Area Regulations

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.There are currently hazardous conditions in the Ross Creek area. The public is highly encouraged to avoid the…

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. The rapid increase in rainfall on top of snow in the higher elevations has resulted in localized flooding and increased the risk of landslides, debris…

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). The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to…

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…

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. It also…

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.

Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions

Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathead…

Forest, Regional and Other Regulations

Welcome to the Lolo National Forest As a visitor to the national forests, you must follow certain rules to protect the forest and natural environment, and to ensure your health and safety.Forest and Regional RegulationsAll bear attractants, including any type of food and garbage, must be stored in…

Deer Creek Road & Snowmobile Trail Closed on Superior Ranger District

Deer Creek Road #236 and Deer Creek Loop Snowmobile Trail (SNO-70.1) on the Superior Ranger District are closed due to flood and wind damage to the road, bridge crossing, and trail.

Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District

Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.

Blizzard Warning issued March 12 at 12:46AM MDT until March 12 at 3:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 10 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 100 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 feet. * WHERE...The Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front. * WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until 3 PM MDT this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 3 PM this afternoon to 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult or impossible over Marias pass and Rogers pass late tonight through Thursday morning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Whiteout conditions are likely and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, especially through 8 AM Thursday. This will be a mult-day snowfall, with lulls in the snow at times.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 12 at 12:46AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 10 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 100 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 feet. * WHERE...The Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front. * WHEN...For the Blizzard Warning, until 3 PM MDT this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 3 PM this afternoon to 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult or impossible over Marias pass and Rogers pass late tonight through Thursday morning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Whiteout conditions are likely and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, especially through 8 AM Thursday. This will be a mult-day snowfall, with lulls in the snow at times.