Montana
Montana is a state in the western United States known for its vast open spaces, rugged landscapes, and abundant wildlife. With a population of just over a million people, it is one of the least populated states in the country, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter, more peaceful way of life. Montana is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, including Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, which attract millions of visitors each year. The state is also known for its rich mining history and cowboy culture, with many towns and cities still embracing their Wild West roots. Montana’s climate is varied, with warm summers and cold winters, and the state experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from intense snowstorms to thunderstorms and even tornadoes.
Montana is home to a vast array of forests, ranging from dense evergreen forests in the western part of the state to the mixed deciduous forests of the eastern region. The state is particularly well-known for its extensive forests of coniferous trees, such as the Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and ponderosa pine, which dominate many areas of the state. Montana’s forests provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, wolves, and moose, and they offer visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Some of the most notable forests in Montana include the Flathead National Forest, which covers over 2.4 million acres and includes the Bob Marshall Wilderness; the Lewis and Clark National Forest, which spans over 2.8 million acres and contains the Rocky Mountain Front; and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, which covers over 3 million acres and is home to several historic mining towns.
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is a vast forest located in southwestern Montana, covering over 3 million acres of land. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Pioneer Mountains, which provide stunning panoramic views and challenging hiking trails. The forest is also home to several lakes and rivers, including the Big Hole River, which is famous for its excellent fly-fishing opportunities. The forest has a rich history of mining, and visitors can explore several historic mining towns and ghost towns that are scattered throughout the area. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and mountain lions, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf
Wise River Ranger District
P.O. Box 100 Wise River, MT 59762
(406) 832-3178
Wisdom Ranger District
P.O. Box 238 Wisdom, MT 59761
(406) 689-3243
Butte Ranger District
1820 Meadowlark Butte, MT 59701
(406) 494-2147
Pintler Ranger District
88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858
(406) 859-3211
Madison Ranger District
5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729
(406) 682-4253
No Vehicle Use Maps
The Bitterroot National Forest is a beautiful and diverse forest located in western Montana and Idaho, covering over 1.6 million acres of land. The forest is home to a wide range of landscapes, from rugged mountain peaks to lush valleys and meadows, providing visitors with a vast array of recreational opportunities. The forest has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, including portions of the Continental Divide Trail, and offers visitors opportunities for camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest is also home to several historic sites, including the St. Mary’s Mission, a historic Catholic mission founded in 1841, and several ghost towns that date back to the area’s mining days. The Bitterroot National Forest is home to several species of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, and deer. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot
Stevensville Ranger District
88 Main Street Stevensville, MT 59870
(406) 777-5461
Darby Sula Ranger District
712 North Main Darby, MT 59829
(406) 821-3913
Sula Ranger District
7338 Hwy 93 S. Sula, MT 59871
(417) 967-4194
West Fork Ranger District
6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829
(406) 821-3269
The Custer Gallatin National Forest is a stunning forest located in south-central Montana, covering over 3 million acres of land. The forest is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and abundant recreational opportunities. The forest contains several mountain ranges, including the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails. The forest is also home to several rivers, including the Yellowstone River, which provides excellent opportunities for fishing and rafting. Visitors to the Custer Gallatin National Forest can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. The forest also contains several historic sites, including the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin
Ashland Ranger District
P.O. Box 168 2378 Hwy 212 Ashland, MT 59003
(406) 784-2344
Beartooth Ranger District
6811 Hwy 212 Red Lodge, MT 59068
(406) 446-2103
Vehicle Use Maps: (Absaroka-Beartooth, West), (Absaroka-Beartooth, East), (Beartooth, North), (Beartooth, South)
Bozeman Ranger District
3710 Fallon Street, Suite C Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 522-2520
Gardiner Ranger District
P.O. Box 5 805 Scott Street Gardiner, MT 59030
(406) 848-7375
Hebgen Ranger District
P.O. Box 520 West Yellowstone, MT 59758
(406) 823-6961
Sioux Ranger District
P.O. Box 37 101 SE First Street Camp Crook, SD 57724
(605) 797-4432
Yellowstone Ranger District
5242 Highway 89 South Livingston, MT 59047
(406) 222-1892
The Flathead National Forest is a vast forest located in northwestern Montana that covers over 2.4 million acres of land. The forest is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, among other outdoor activities. The forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Swan Range and the Mission Mountains, providing panoramic views and challenging hiking trails. Additionally, there are several lakes, including Flathead Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The Flathead National Forest also has a rich history with several historic sites, including old homesteads, mining camps, and ranger stations, that allow visitors to explore the area’s past. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead
Supervisors Office/Tally Lake Ranger Station
650 Wolf Pack Way Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-5200
Glacier View/Hungry Horse/Spotted Bear Ranger District
10 Hungry Horse Drive Hungry Horse, MT 59919
(406) 758-5376 or (406) 387-3800 during winter
Vehicle Use Maps: (Glacier View), (Hungry Horse), (Spotted Bear)
Swan Lake Ranger District
200 Ranger Station Road Bigfork, MT 59911
(406) 837-7500
The Helena/Lewis and Clark National Forest is a beautiful forest located in western Montana that covers over 2.8 million acres of land. The forest offers stunning mountain views, clear streams, and diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area’s rich history with several historic sites, including old mining towns and ghost towns. With its abundant wildlife and panoramic views, the Helena/Lewis and Clark National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Montana. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf
White Sulphur Springs Ranger District (Belt Creek)
204 W. Folsom White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
(406) 547-3361
Belt Creek Ranger District
4234 US Highway 89 North Neihart, MT 59465
(406) 236-5100
Helena Ranger District
2880 Skyway Drive Helena, MT 59601
(406) 449-5201
Vehicle Use Maps: (Elkhorn Mountains Atlas Helena and Townsend), (Big Belt Mountains)
Lincoln Ranger District
1569 Highway 200 Lincoln, MT 59639
(406) 362-7000
Judith-Musselshell Ranger District
Mail to: 809 2nd Street NW Harlowton, MT 59036
(406) 632-4391
Judith-Musselshell Ranger District- Judith Office
109 Central Ave. Stanford, MT 59479
(406) 566-2292
Rocky Mountain Ranger District
1102 Main Ave. NW Choteau, MT 59422
(406) 466-5341
Townsend Ranger District
415 S. Front Townsend, MT 59644
(406) 266-3425
Vehicle Use Maps: (Elkhorn Mountains Atlas Helena and Townsend), (Big Belt Mountains)
The Kootenai National Forest is a stunning forest located in northwestern Montana, covering over 2.2 million acres of land. The forest is known for its rugged terrain, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the Kootenai National Forest can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest contains several mountain ranges, including the Cabinet Mountains and the Purcell Mountains, offering breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails. The forest is also home to several rivers, including the Kootenai River, which provides excellent opportunities for fishing and rafting. The Kootenai National Forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and elk. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai
Rexford/Eureka Ranger District
949 US Hwy 93 N Eureka, MT 59917-9550
(406) 296-2536
Vehicle Use Map (Rexford and Fortine)
Three Rivers/Troy Ranger District
12858 US Hwy 2 Troy, MT 59935-8750
(406) 295-4693
Vehicle Use Maps: (Three Rivers and Troy, South), (Three Rivers and Troy, North)
Libby/Canoe Gulch Ranger District
12557 MT Hwy 37 Libby, MT 59923- 8212
(406) 293-7773
Vehicle Use Maps: (Libby and Canoe Gulch, South), (Libby and Canoe Gulch, North)
Cabinet/Trout Creek Ranger District
2693 MT Hwy 200 Trout Creek, MT 59874-9503
(406) 827-3533
The Lolo National Forest is a beautiful forest located in western Montana, covering over 2.2 million acres of land. The forest is named after the Lolo Pass, which was historically used by the Nez Perce tribe and later by explorers Lewis and Clark. The forest is known for its stunning mountain views, clear streams, and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the Lolo National Forest can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest contains several mountain ranges, including the Bitterroot Mountains and the Clearwater Mountains, offering panoramic views and challenging hiking trails. The forest is also home to several rivers, including the Clark Fork River and the Lochsa River, which provide excellent opportunities for fishing and rafting. The Lolo National Forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo
Missoula Ranger District
24 Fort Missoula Road Missoula, MT 59804
(406) 329-3814
Vehicle Use Maps: (Missoula West), (Rock Creek)
Ninemile Ranger District
20325 Remount Road Huson, MT 59846
(406) 626-5201
Vehicle Use Maps: (Ninemile, South), (Ninemile, North)
Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District
P.O. Box 429 408 Clayton Plains, MT 59859
(406) 826-3821
Seeley Lake Ranger District
3583 Highway 83 North Seeley Lake MT 59868
(406) 677-2233
Superior Ranger District
PO Box 460 209 West Riverside Avenue Superior, MT 59872
(406) 822-4233
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests consist of three separate national forests – Coeur d’Alene, Kaniksu, and St. Joe. Coeur d’Alene National Forest is characterized by its rugged mountains, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, with the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes as a popular hiking trail. Kaniksu National Forest boasts alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and crystal-clear streams, with the Scotchman Peaks Trail as a highlight. St. Joe National Forest is home to scenic byways, historic mining towns, and world-class fishing, with the St. Joe River Trail being a popular hiking trail. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests offer a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and more. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf
Priest Lake Ranger District
32203 Highway 57 Priest River, ID 83856
(208) 443-2512
Vehicle Use Maps: (Kaniksu Zone, Front), (Kaniksu Zone, Back)
Bonners Ferry Ranger District
6286 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
(208) 267-5561
Vehicle Use Maps: (Kaniksu Zone, Front), (Kaniksu Zone, Back)
Sandpoint Ranger District
1602 Ontario St. Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 263-5111
Vehicle Use Maps: (Kaniksu Zone, Front), (Kaniksu Zone, Back)
Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District- Fernan Office
2502 E. Sherman Ave Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
(208) 664-2318
Vehicle Use Maps: (Coeur d’Alene, Front), (Coeur d’Alene, Back)
Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District- Silver Valley Office
173 Commerce Dr. Smelterville, ID 83868
(208) 783-2363
Vehicle Use Maps: (Coeur d’Alene, Front), (Coeur d’Alene, Back)
St. Joe Ranger District- St. Maries Office
222 S. 7th, Suite #1 St. Maries, ID 83861
(208) 245-2531
Vehicle Use Maps: (St. Joe, Front), (St. Joe, Back)
St. Joe Ranger District- Avery Office
34 Hoyt Drive Avery, ID 83802
(208) 245-2531
Vehicle Use Maps: (St. Joe, Front), (St. Joe, Back)
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a vast expanse of wilderness and stretches across southeastern Idaho, and the Montana, Utah, and Wyoming borders. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, deer, black bears, and gray wolves. The landscape is diverse, ranging from lush alpine meadows to rugged mountain peaks, dense forests, and rushing rivers. Visitors can explore numerous trails that wind through the forest, leading to breathtaking vistas and hidden waterfalls. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is also home to several designated wilderness areas, offering some of the most pristine and untouched natural landscapes in the region. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf
Ashton Ranger District
46 Highway 20 Ashton, Idaho 83420
(208) 652-7442
Vehicle Use Map (Ashton and Island Park)
Island Park Ranger District
3726 Highway 20 Island Park, Idaho 83429
(208) 558-7301
Vehicle Use Map (Ashton and Island Park)
Dubois Ranger District
98 N. Oakley P.O. Box 46 Dubois, Idaho 83423
(208) 374-5422
Montpelier Ranger District
322 North 4th Street, Montpelier, Idaho 83254
(208) 847-0375
Palisades Ranger District
3659 East Ririe Highway, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
(208) 523-1412
Soda Springs Ranger District
410 Hooper Ave., Soda Springs, Idaho 83276
(208) 547-4356
Teton Basin Ranger District
495 South Main, P.O. Box 777 Driggs, Idaho 83422
(208)354-2312
Montana has over 8 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors. BLM lands in Montana are located across the state and provide opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore vast grasslands, rocky mountains, and desert landscapes, all within the state’s BLM lands. The BLM manages a variety of resources on these lands, including oil and gas, grazing, and mineral resources, while also preserving the land’s natural beauty and providing recreational opportunities for the public.
The North/Central District is one of the 13 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) districts in Montana. It is located in the northern part of the state and covers over 3 million acres of public lands. The district is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from high alpine mountains to rolling grasslands, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching in the district. The North/Central District also manages several important wildlife habitat areas, including the Missouri River Breaks and the Upper Missouri River National Monument. In addition, the district oversees grazing permits, oil and gas leasing, and other land uses. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/north-central-district-office
Division of Oil and Gas (Great Falls)
1220 38th Street North Great Falls, MT 59405
(406)791-7700
Glasgow Field Office
5 Lasar Drive Glasgow, MT 59230
(406)228-3750
Havre Field Office
3990 Highway 2 West Havre, MT 59501
(406)262-2820
Lewistown Field Office
920 Northeast Main Lewistown, MT 59457
(406)538-1900
Malta Field Office
501 South 2nd St East Malta, MT 59538
(406)654-5100
The Western Montana District covers over 2.8 million acres of public lands. The district encompasses a wide variety of landscapes, from the rugged mountains of the Rocky Mountain Front to the rolling hills and prairies of the Bitterroot Valley. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. The district is also home to several important wildlife habitat areas, such as the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and the Sapphire Mountains. The Western Montana District also manages a variety of land uses, including grazing permits, timber sales, and mineral leases. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/western-montana-district-office
Butt Field Office
106 North Parkmont Butte, MT 59701
(406)533-7600
Dillon Field Office
1005 Selway Dr. Dillon, MT 59725-9431
(406)683-8000
Missoula Field Office
3255 Fort Missoula Road Missoula, MT 59804
(406)329-3914
The Eastern Montana/Dakotas District in Montana, covers over 8 million acres of public lands. The district is located in the eastern part of the state, extending into North and South Dakota. It encompasses a range of landscapes, from the rolling prairies of the Great Plains to the rugged badlands of the Dakotas. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the district include hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. The district also manages grazing permits, oil and gas leasing, and other land uses. The Eastern Montana/Dakotas District is home to several important wildlife species, such as pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and sage grouse, and it is a critical habitat for migratory birds. The district is also rich in cultural resources, including historic trails, pioneer homesteads, and Native American archaeological sites. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/eastern-montanadakotas-district-office
Billings Field Office
5001 Southgate Drive Billings, MT 59101
(406)896-5013
Miles City Field Office
111 Garryowen Road Miles City, MT 59301
(406)233-2800
North Dakota Field Office
99 23rd Avenue West, Suite A Dickinson, ND 58601
(701)227-7700
South Dakota Field Office
309 Bonanza Street Belle Fourche, SD 57717
(605)892-7000
There aren’t any grasslands in Montana!
tips and tricks
Wildlife is abundant in Montana, including bears, moose, and bison, so it’s important to be aware of wildlife safety guidelines when exploring the outdoors.
The state has a rich cultural history, including significant Native American sites and cowboy and mining heritage, which can be explored through various museums and historic sites.
Montana is a sparsely populated state, so plan ahead for accommodations, especially in rural areas.
do’s and dont’s
Plan ahead, especially when traveling to rural areas. Make sure to have a full tank of gas, plenty of water, and snacks or meals on hand.
Don’t litter or leave trash behind. Help keep Montana’s natural beauty intact.
Don’t ignore posted signs and warnings about hazardous areas or road conditions.
