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Hiking
Choose from the following to find a site:
The Kootenai National Forest has a great selection of trails for day trips or serious backpacking. Visitors are welcome to travel on any trails on the National Forest, but need to be aware of the potential for downfall and hazards, especially if the trail has not been cleared recently. Even if the trail is listed as having been cleared this year, there could be new downfall from weather events and/or wildfires.
Our Hiking, Backpacking and Camping fact sheet [PDF, 225K] will help you stay in compliance with the mandatory food storage order.
Current Trail Report
The trail update spreadsheet includes all managed trails on the Kootenai National Forest (trail information can be sorted by District, Trail Number or Trail Name by using the drop down arrows next to those columns). It provides information on trails that have been cleared (logged out, brushed, or rock/debris removed) by Forest Service personnel, partners or volunteers. A cleared trail will generally be passable for use, with any important information noted in the remarks section. The trail update spreadsheet will be updated on Fridays throughout the summer. Please note that the date the trail was cleared may be a year or more old, as not every trail is cleared every year.
Cabinet Mountain Wilderness Trails
Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Trail Update [DOCX, 43K]
View our full list of Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Prohibited Acts flyer [PDF, 4.1MB] for help in complying with wilderness rules and regulations.
District Trail Brochures
- Three Rivers Ranger District [PDF, 1MB]
- Cabinet Ranger District [PDF, 1.1MB]
- Rexford/Fortine Ranger District [PDF, 1.1MB]
- Libby Ranger District [PDF, 2.5MB]
Visitors are encouraged to contact local Ranger District Offices for current road and trail information and possible closures due to fire.
Partners
The Kootenai National Forest partners with several organizations in managing trails, recreation and educational events across the forest. These organizations have a formal partnership (agreement), in which their missions support the Forest Service mission.
- Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Hikes or stewardship events
- Yaak Valley Forest Council Youth camps
- Montana Wilderness Association Hikes
- Cabinet Back Country Horsemen Projects and rides
- Trout Creek Back Country Horsemen Projects and rides
The Forest Service does not endorse the project or organization at the web destination, nor does the Forest Service exercise any responsibility over the content at the web destination.