Flathead National Forest closes campgrounds, cabins; trails open

The Flathead National Forest has closed its developed campgrounds and rental cabins due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

A full list of developed campgrounds can also be found on the Forest’s website. Many of the Forests’ campgrounds are inaccessible due to snow this time of year.

The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest made a similar announcement as well.

Trails and undeveloped areas remain open.

Notifications to cabin renters will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed, the Forest said in a release.

Rental cabin visitors are encouraged to contact their ranger district office with additional questions.

The closures will not impact other Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest trails, trailheads or dispersed camping sites which remain open for the time being. The Forest asks that the public recreate responsibly and practice leave no trace principles and “pack it in-pack it out.”

“As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety of the public is our number one priority. This closure order will be lifted as soon as possible,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Avey. “We did not make this decision lightly and we appreciate people’s cooperation.”

The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is a sprawling one, with units starting at Marias Pass and extending all the way toward Helena and Great Falls.

Most of the Forest remains open to public use, Avey noted.