Idaho Panhandle National Forests
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.
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.
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.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order
Camping is prohibited for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annually within the Colville National Forest.
Food Storage Order
The goal of this special order is to minimize the potential for bears and other wildlife to access human foods. Animals that have repeatedly obtained unsecured human foods can learn to associate the presence of humans with a food reward and begin to lose their natural fear of man.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order: 06-00-00-21-01
This order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species on the national Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region.
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 standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 standards.
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.
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 (Flathe
Deer Creek Road & Snowmobile Trail Closed on Superior Ranger District
Deer Creek Road #236 and Deer Creek Loop Snowmobile Trail (SNO-70.1) 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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 5:24PM MST until February 9 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Snow expected above 4000 feet. There is a likelihood of moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 5 inches inches. * WHERE...Evaro Hill and I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan. * WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Monday. * 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. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute, especially over higher passes.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 1:28PM PST until February 9 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 5 inches above 3000 feet and a trace to 1 inch below 3000 feet. * WHERE...Lookout Pass, Mullan, Osburn, Fernwood, Kellogg, St. Maries, Dobson Pass, Fourth Of July Pass, Wallace, and Pinehurst. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 10 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
From Recreation.gov
Sam Owen may undergo construction in the 2026 season. If this occurs, it could mean the campground is closed for the entire season. Reservations are not being accepted at this time to confirm possible construction at the campground.
From Recreation.gov
Little Guard Lookout Rental will be closed for the 2025 summer season for extensive restoration, including but not limited to replacement of the roof system, and repairs to the windows, doors, and second story siding.
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.
Top Campgrounds
- Arid Peak Lookout
- Avery Creek Cabin
- Beaver Creek A-frame Cabin
- Beaver Creek Campground
- Bell Bay Campground
- Big Creek Campground
- Black Mountain Lookout
- Brush Lake Picnic Area
- Camp 3 Campground
- Conrad Crossing Campground
- DONKEY CREEK
- Fly Flat Campground
- HUCKLEBERRY
- Heller Creek Campground
- Lake Elsie
- Line Creek Stock Campground
- Lunch Peak Lookout
- MARBLE CREEK
- Mammoth Springs Campground
- Packsaddle Campground
- Red Ives Cabin
- Sam Owen
- Smith Lake Campground
- Spruce Tree Campground
- Surveyors Lookout
- Telichpah Campground
- Tin Can Flat Campground
- Turner Flat Campground
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