Welcome to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Land of lakes and rivers...
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests create a tapestry of land and water in the panhandle of North Idaho.
Vast lakes and miles of rivers support a world-class fishery. Rich in wildlife, the forest is home to large game such as elk and deer, as well as species such as grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. From lush evergreen mountains to the shores of big waters, the Idaho Panhandle has a rich history that continues to link families and forest. Come discover us!
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Get A Map
The Forest Service offers multiple maps and brochures. Most can be found at our offices, and many are available digitally.
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Need A Permit?
Whether you're looking for an Interagency Recreation Pass or a permit to cut firewood, or you want to film a movie on National Forest System lands, this is where you start.
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Know Before You Go
Taking care of ourselves and our fellow travelers, while doing what's right for the land and the wildlife, are everyone's jobs. Visit this page for some tips before heading out into the woods.
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Kootenai Complex Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscape
The 2022 Wildfire Crisis Strategy outlines dramatic action that must be taken to treat hazardous fuels and reduce the risk of wildfire to communities, infrastructure, and municipal watersheds. On the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle National Forests, The Kootenai Complex was included in the initial landscape designation and plans to treat nearly 45,000 acres in 3 priority firesheds by 2026.
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Avalanche Center
Avalanche advisories are updated weekly in winter, plus information on avalanche awareness classes, and other reference materials.
Interested in Forest projects? Sign up to receive project notifications
Recent News
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Don’t be ‘That Spark’ This July 4th
Release Date: Jun 26, 2024
Spotlights
Emerald Creek Garnet Area
There are only two places in the world you can find Star Garnets - India and right here on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests!
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
The Pulaski Tunnel Trail follows a cascading creek into a cool, green forest, belying the devastation and horror that occurred here in 1910.
Route of the Hiawatha
Winding through nine tunnels and over seven high steel trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana, and it is open to you!
Alerts & Warnings
- Flat Creek Forest Road 462A Closure, Priest Lake Ranger District
- Catspur Creek Road and Area Closure, St. Joe Ranger District,
- Ridge Creek Salvage Sale Road Closure, CDA River Ranger District
- Hiawatha Rail Trail Closure, St. Joe Ranger District
- Huckelberry Trail #802 Closure, CDA River Ranger District
- Green Bay Closure, Sandpoint Ranger District
- Solo Creek Quartz Dig Site Closure, Priest Lake Ranger District
- Chilco Mountain Trail Closure, CDA River Ranger District
- Kootenai River Complex Closure, Bonners Ferry Ranger District