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.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 13 at 1:38PM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow. There is a chance of developing or ongoing major winter weather impacts. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 8 inches. * WHERE...Essex, Polebridge, Marias Pass, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Glacier National Park, and Bad Rock Canyon. * WHEN...Until 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. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening and Saturday morning commute, especially over higher passes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Intense snow squalls are expected Saturday morning through afternoon causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 13 at 1:38PM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow. There is a likelihood of developing or ongoing major winter weather impacts. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches in the valleys and 12 to 24 inches in the mountains. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, and Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon. * WHEN...Until 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. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute, especially over higher passes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Intense snow squall are expected Saturday afternoon through evening causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.

Winter Weather Advisory issued March 13 at 1:38PM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, Flathead Lake, and Polson. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight accumulations range from 1 to 3 inches. Intense snow squall are expected Saturday morning through afternoon causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 13 at 1:26PM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 10 and 20 inches, with higher amounts to 30 inches in the back country. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...The Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front, and Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and tire chains may be required for some vehicles. Those in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for dangerous conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

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…

Gold Creek Road #126 Closed at Mile 7 Gate

Due to recent weather Gold Creek Road 126 is closed at the gate at mile 7. This temporary closure will continue until the already scheduled seasonal closure that begins May 1. This closure will prevent road and resource damage resulting from early spring conditions. Please respect all locked…

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.

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…

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…

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

Avalanche Warning issued March 13 at 7:59AM 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 Fri Mar 13 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 079 (Shoshone County) * WHAT...An Avalanche Warning is in effect from Friday 7 AM PST to Saturday 7 AM PST. Very dangerous avalanche conditions developed Wednesday night from heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds, and these hazardous conditions are lasting through Saturday due to continued heavy snowfall in specific locations and sustained winds strong enough to transport the abundant new snow. A person's weight or a rider on a machine can very easily trigger avalanches large enough to bury or kill them, and some slides will release naturally. * WHERE...The Bitterroot Mountains - Silver Valley and the East Cabinet Mountains above 4,000 feet. * WHEN...In effect from Fri 07:00 PDT to Sat 07:00 PDT. * IMPACTS...An atmospheric river and violent jet stream joined forces to deliver heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds to the Inland Northwest. Winds are subsiding considerably on Friday, however the sustained moderate to heavy snowfall is being measured in multiple feet at higher elevations. The recent 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. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the mountains and widespread areas of unstable snow are expected. The largest slides may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not recommended and should be avoided during the period of significant instability. 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 13 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 Fri Mar 13 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 079 (Shoshone County) * WHAT...An Avalanche Warning is in effect from Friday 7 AM PST to Saturday 7 AM PST. Very dangerous avalanche conditions developed Wednesday night from heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds, and these hazardous conditions are lasting through Saturday due to continued heavy snowfall in specific locations and sustained winds strong enough to transport the abundant new snow. A person's weight or a rider on a machine can very easily trigger avalanches large enough to bury or kill them, and some slides will release naturally. * WHERE...The Bitterroot Mountains - Silver Valley and the East Cabinet Mountains above 4,000 feet. * WHEN...In effect from Fri 07:00 PDT to Sat 07:00 PDT. * IMPACTS...An atmospheric river and violent jet stream joined forces to deliver heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds to the Inland Northwest. Winds are subsiding considerably on Friday, however the sustained moderate to heavy snowfall is being measured in multiple feet at higher elevations. The recent 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. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the mountains and widespread areas of unstable snow are expected. The largest slides may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not recommended and should be avoided during the period of significant instability. 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 13 at 7:14AM 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... 07:06 MDT Fri Mar 13 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...Continued heavy snowfall in the mountains is creating dangerous avalanche conditions. * WHERE...The mountains above Seeley Lake, the Rattlesnake, and the Bitterroot mountains from Lolo Pass to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...In effect from Fri 07:06 MDT to Sat 06:00 MDT. * IMPACTS...3-5 feet of new snow with more expected today has created High avalanche danger. 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 13 at 6:24AM 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 Fri Mar 13 2026 The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ002 (MTZ002) * WHAT...Feet of new snow and strong winds over the past few days, combined with continued snowfall today, are creating very dangerous avalanche conditions. * WHERE...Slopes above 5000 feet in the Flathead Range and in the Lake McDonald and Marias Pass areas of Glacier National Park. * WHEN...In effect from Fri 06:00 MDT to Sat 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.