Kootenai National Forest, a national forest in northwestern Montana, spans approximately 2.2 million acres, characterized by a diverse and rugged landscape. This area features towering mountain ranges, including parts of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, Salish Mountains, and Purcell Mountains, alongside wild waterways like the Kootenai and Clark Fork Rivers. Numerous pristine alpine lakes, such as Lake Koocanusa and Bull Lake, are also prominent features within its ancient forests and timbered foothills, offering varied terrain for several sports like hiking.
28
Routes
4.8
(8)
Average rating
69
People visited

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
8.36km
03:07
920m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
5.64km
01:57
490m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

11.2km
03:45
800m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.46km
01:15
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Kootenai National Forest offers opportunities for various outdoor activities, primarily hiking. The forest features 39 hiking routes and 1 racebike route. It encompasses diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, wild waterways, and alpine lakes.
Kootenai National Forest offers over 1,400 miles of hiking trails. Popular options include Leigh Lake Trail in the Cabinet Mountains and Geiger Lakes & Lost Buck Pass Trail. The Bluebird Basin Loop in the Ten Lakes Scenic Area is also a highly regarded hike.
Yes, Kootenai National Forest provides trails suitable for various abilities, including easier paths. Komoot offers a specific guide for Easy hikes in Kootenai National Forest. These routes allow for exploration of timbered foothills and montane meadows.
The forest offers a range of trails, some of which are suitable for families. The diverse landscape includes paths through ancient forests and along waterways, providing accessible options for different age groups. Specific easy hikes can be found in the komoot guide for Easy hikes in Kootenai National Forest.
Notable features include the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, Salish Mountains, and Purcell Mountains. The Kootenai Falls, with its swinging bridge, is a significant landmark. The forest also contains 141 lakes, including Lake Koocanusa, and the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area with old-growth trees.
The Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area preserves 101 acres of western redcedar trees. Some of these trees are over 500 years old and measure eight feet in diameter. It offers an immersive experience within an old-growth forest.
The highest point within Kootenai National Forest is Snowshoe Peak, located in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. It reaches an elevation of 8,738 feet (2,663 meters).
Kootenai National Forest has more than 200 visitors who have shared their experiences on komoot. The routes in the forest have an average rating of 4.83 out of 5 stars. There are 40 routes available, primarily for hiking.
Yes, komoot offers guides to help plan activities in the forest. Available guides include Hiking in Kootenai National Forest and Easy hikes in Kootenai National Forest.
The official website for Kootenai National Forest is fs.usda.gov/kootenai. This site provides official information regarding forest regulations, alerts, and services.
The main office phone number for Kootenai National Forest is (406) 293-6211. This number can be used for general inquiries and information.

