Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

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.

R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road

Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

Delmoe Lake Area/Road Closure

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestButte Ranger DistrictArea/Road Closure

Elkhorn Mine Area and Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is for public safety, the mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the adit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.

Use of Vehicles Off Road

Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

Madison Ranger District 8325A and 8325B Roads Closure

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMadison Ranger DistrictRoad ClosurePursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (b) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads in the Madison Ranger District,…

Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas

This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.

Annual Food Storage Order

Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.

Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District

The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as…

Blizzard Warning issued March 14 at 11:09AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Visibilities will drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Drifting snow will make some roads impassable.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 14 at 11:09AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 7 and 14 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph this afternoon. * WHERE...The Highwood, Little Belt, Judith, and Snowy Mountains, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan for snowpacked and slippery roads. Snow and blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility at times on Saturday.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 14 at 11:09AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...Total snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton Counties, Cascade County below 5000ft, and Gates of the Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 14 at 11:09AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 14 at 11:09AM MDT until March 14 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Helena Valley, and Meagher County Valleys. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan for snowpacked and slippery roads. Snow and blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility at times on Saturday. Tire chains may be required for some vehicles if traveling through mountain passes.

Winter Weather Advisory issued March 14 at 11:03AM MDT until March 15 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, and Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * 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. Wet, heavy snow, and winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Intense snow squall are expected this afternoon through evening causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.

Winter Weather Advisory issued March 14 at 11:03AM MDT until March 15 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT

* WHAT...Snow. There is a likelihood of developing or ongoing moderate winter weather impacts. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 Garrison to Elliston, Butte, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * 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. Wet, heavy snow, and winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Intense snow squalls are expected this afternoon through evening causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.

From Recreation.gov

Potable water at the outside hydrant has been restored. Water has been tested as safe yet has a mild sulphur taste. Parties sensitive to smell or taste should bring consumable water.

Special Weather Statement issued March 14 at 10:02AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

Radar this morning has been showing a few bands of heavy snow moving through Central Montana. These bands will produce periods of rapid snow accumulation and very low visibility, with visibility under a quarter mile at times. If you must be on the roads this morning, make sure to brush off your car, ensure your headlights are on, leave plenty of time to reach your destination, and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

High Wind Warning issued March 14 at 2:15AM MDT until March 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

* WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Southwestern Montana along and south of Interstate 90, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, and Canyon Ferry Area. * WHEN...From noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A few heavy snow showers or snow squalls will be possible as well, particularly in the afternoon.

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

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…

Gold Creek Road Closure- Missoula Ranger District

Due to recent weather Gold Creek Road 126 is closed at the mile 7 gate. 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.

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.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 14 at 12:11AM MDT until March 15 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Billings MT

* WHAT...Moderate to heavy wet snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Golden Valley, Judith Gap, Musselshell, Southern Wheatland, and Northeastern Yellowstone. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Cold and wet conditions will be dangerous for young livestock. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Periods of snow are expected to end through the morning Sunday.

Winter Storm Warning issued March 14 at 12:11AM MDT until March 15 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Billings MT

* WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations between 6 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph. * WHERE...Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Avalanche danger is expected to increase. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds will increase through the day, peaking this evening as a cold front moves through. Snow will come to an end Sunday morning.