Outdoor Activities

Your Fun And Comprehensive Rocky Mountains Recreation Guide

The Northern Rockies are a huge and awesome outdoor playground … a scenic, multicolored canvas that will cause a whispered “wow” to escape your lips. Out here, getting back to nature is more than a cute marketing phrase – it’s a way of life cherished by generations of locals and visitors alike. We at the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies would love to share this remarkable heritage with you.

Rocky Mountain recreation is limitless. Test your mettle on some of the world’s most intense and challenging ski slopes -- or on churning rapids. Hike dazzling alpine trails that never seem to end. Cast your line for pike, trout, or salmon. Maybe your catch will inspire a legendary fishing yarn or two. Go camping by an impossibly blue lake that brilliantly reflects the mountains towering above. Wake up each morning with a cup of coffee and drink in stunning views. Talk about natural therapy! Brag to your golf buddies back home about how you played a round with the majestic Rockies in the background. Or go wildlife-watching. After all, no trip to this region would be complete without seeing a moose, elk, bald eagle, or perhaps even a bear. Fill your days with amazing Rockies recreation or just absorb the peace and wonder of unspoiled, uncrowded nature.

• Biking  
• Birdwatching
• Camping & RV'ing  
• Fishing  
• Golf  
• Hiking  
• Rafting & Kayaking
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Snowmobiling
• Wildlife and Bird Watching
• More Activities  

Camp with Respect!

Think of your national forests as special pieces of treasured fabric.  Love, protect and cherish them as you would your family heirlooms.  Enjoy practicing respectful camping ethics that preserve and protect our public lands for your children, and theirs.

Camping : If you are staying at a campground, camp only in those places specifically designated or marked. All vehicles, RVs, and trailers must be parked in the campsite or its driveway. Driving or parking off road is not permitted. Please observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and be considerate of others in your activities.  Campfires: Please obey any restrictions on fires posted at the sites. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds and other recreation areas, fires may only be built in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose. Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires under control. Remember, one careless moment with fire can destroy centuries of nature's handiwork. You wouldn't want to be responsible for burning down your favorite spot. 

Stay Limit: The stay limit in any National Forest campground is 14 days. There is a limit of 10 persons per camp site, with the exception of certain group sites. Make sure you give everyone else a chance to enjoy the area, just as you do! 

Vehicles : Drivers should obey all traffic signs and operate their vehicles in accordance with posted regulations and applicable Federal, State, and local laws just like everywhere else! Motorized travel is restricted on many roads to protect wildlife habitat and other resources. Information about travel limitations is available at Ranger District Offices. Allow plenty of time for all motorized outings and please drive safely. 

Pets and Animals: Pets are to be restrained or leashed at all times while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities. Saddle or pack animals are only allowed where authorized by posted instructions.

Wildlife : The forest has its share of animals as well. Please be considerate and safe around them: they ARE wild, no matter how tame they may seem at the time. Some areas of the Kootenai are bear country; please check bulletin boards at the specific sites for more information.  Fireworks and Explosives: Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation areas is prohibited.  General Notice: All visitors and users of the National Forests are subject to Federal Regulations. The points of conduct listed above are included and enforceable through Federal Regulations.

More food for thought:

Leave No Trace (LNT) is a national and international program designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts on the environment.  LNT is a very effective solution to preserving the health of, and access to the lands we love, including our National Forests. In other words,

• Avoid carving, chopping, cutting or damaging any live trees.

• Try to leave your camp or picnic site a little cleaner than you found it; the next visitor will thank you. 

Pack it In, Pack it Out is a waste management philosophy which reckons that whatever a person brings into a natural area must be taken out of that area upon leaving. The idea is to remove all forms of litter and biodegradable waste from the natural area for proper disposal so that the materials will cause no harm to the natural resources of the ecosystem. In other words:

• Garbage cans are not provided. Campers are asked to bring their own garbage bags and take their garbage with them when leaving the campsite. While this seems like an inconvenience, the funds saved are used to provide additional recreational facilities.

Enjoy Countless Opportunities For Rockies Recreation

Reach extraordinary new heights of travel. Use the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies to experience truly unforgettable Rocky Mountains recreation.