kootenai national forest

Kootenai National Forest

Located in the states of Montana and Idaho

Kootenai includes the Cabinet Mountains and the Kootenai and Clark Fork rivers. The Noxon and Cabinet Gorge reservoirs are on the Clark Fork within the forest. The Northwest Peak Scenic Area is in the Selkirk Mountains.

  • Along roads
  • Hiking trails
  • In Millcreek Canyon, dogs can go unleashed on odd days, and must be leashed at all times on even days. Other wise, dogs must be kept on leash in all campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads at all times.
  • Campgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • Other developed exterior areas of the forest
  • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
  • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace
  • Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions.

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • Dogs are not allowed, at any time, in Big Cottonwood or Little Cottonwood Canyons.
  • Some cabins may not allow dogs.
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of hunting areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

(406) 293-6211

Kootenai National Forest Website

Kootenai National Forest Camping

Kootenai National Forest Hiking

Kootenai National Forest Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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