Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Colville National Forest

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Colville National Forest

Aquatic Invasive Species

This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.

Colville National Forest

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…

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.

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