The Lewis and Clark National Forest lies in central and north central Montana within the upper Missouri River system. It lies in central and north central Montana within the upper Missouri River system. The forest’s elevation ranges from 4,500 to 9,362 feet at the top of Rocky Mountain Peak in the Rocky Mountains. Landscapes range from broad prairies to rugged ridges and mountain peaks. Beautiful grassy parks and mountain meadows are surrounded by forests of douglas fir and lodgepole pine. The forest encompasses portions of thirteen counties. West of Great Falls, (site of the Supervisor’s Office) lies the Rocky Mountain Division of the Forest. Over 380,000 acres within the District comprises the Bob Marshall-Great Bear-Scapegoat Wilderness Complex. Another 300,000 acres are managed primarily for recreation, wildlife and scenic values.
The Jefferson Division sprawls over 1,060,000 acres and six mountain ranges (the Highwoods, Crazies, Little Belts, Castles and Big and Little Snowies). Timber and grazing are major resources of the Jefferson Division. In fact, this Division supplies almost all (96%) of the timber and most (85%) of range production on the Forest. There are two congressionally designated Wilderness Study areas; one in the Little Belt Mountains and the other in the Big Snowy Mountains.
Recreation
Recreation Opportunities in the Lewis and Clark National Forest’s 1.8 million acres are as varied as the landscape and elevation of the Forest itself. The elevation ranges from 4,500 to 9,362 feet at the top of Rocky Mountain Peak in the Rocky Mountains. The Forest also has 10,730 acres in designated Research Natural Areas the highest in the Region. The Forest contains many scenic drives including the Kings Hill National Scenic Byway - U. S. Highway 89 through the Little Belt Mountains, which is a major route between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.
The Lewis and Clark National Forest contains 29 developed recreation sites. Many of these sites are handicap accessible. There are five cabins on the Forest which may be rented by the public on a first come, first served basis. The Forest also has two special-use ski areas within its boundaries.
Descriptions of locations and camping information for recreational opportunities will be available online soon. However, the maximum stay in one campsite is fourteen (14) consecutive days. after two weeks, you must move your campsite a minimum of five miles. Camping is not permitted at any developed trailhead. More specific information are available at one the Forest Service Office nearest in your area.
Winter Sports
Come to enjoy winter recreational activities on the Lewis and Clark National Forest. More and more people are enjoying winter sports. Whether you’re downhill or Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling, the National Forests provide a wealth of winter recreation opportunities.
On the Eastside of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, at the top of King’s Hill Pass, in the Little Belt Mountains is Showdown, Montana’s oldest ski area. Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding or soaking up sun on the deck, folks from our region have been enjoying winter here for over 65 years. When you’re at Showdown winter has no cold shoulder, just a warm, friendly embrace. It’s what winter’s all about.
On the Westside of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, on the Front Range of the Montana Rockies is the Teton Pass Ski Area. Come and bring the whole family to have fun on the edge of Montana’s magnificent Rocky Mountain Front, just east of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Lewis & Clark National Forest
1101 15th Street N.
Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: 406-791-7700
