USA 250 Shirt →

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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.

Silver Fire Closure - Roman Nose, Bottleneck, Snow Creek

The purpose of this order is for public and firefighter safety due to active fire suppression activities occurring in the area as part of planned operations for the Silver Fire burning in the area.

Overview

Idaho Panhandle National Forests is a 2.5 million acre jointly administered collection of three national forests (Coeur d'Alene, Kaniksu, and St. Joe) spanning northern Idaho with extensions into eastern Washington and western Montana. The forests are currently open with several localized road closures in effect as of December 2025 due to flood damage in multiple drainages including East Fork Hayden Creek, Shoshone Creek, Lightning Creek, and Pack River. Emerald Creek Campground remains closed due to extensive hazard trees. Fire restrictions are currently low. Key regulations include a 14-day camping limit per 30-day period at any one site, seasonal food storage requirements (April 1 - December 1) on portions of Bonners Ferry, Priest Lake and Sandpoint Ranger Districts for bear safety, and prohibition of glass containers at certain beaches and water bodies. The area is rich in wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, elk and deer, with world-class fishing in its vast lakes and rivers. Recent prescribed fire operations occurred in fall 2025.

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!