Helena National Forest

Helena National Forest - Helena, MT

eatstayplay.com - Montana - Helena National Forest

Helena National Forest

GPS Coordinates: Unknown

What is a geocache? Click here to find about geocaching


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Located in west-central Montana, the Helena National Forest surrounds Montana's Capital City and offers close to one million acres of distinctive landscapes.

Straddling the Continental Divide, the Helena National Forest is rich with natural and cultural resources. Its diverse topography and geology provides wonderful scenery and many recreational opportunities.

Helena National Forest's mountain ranges contain a wide diversity of plant and animal life. Native cutthroat trout and other fish species populate clear mountain lakes and streams. Evidence of past human use, ranging from ancient Indian cliff paintings to historic mining ruins, is everywhere.

The Scapegoat Wilderness occupies the far northwest portion of the Helena National Forest. Almost eighty miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail stretch through the Helena National Forest, extending from the Scapegoat Wilderness to the adjacent Deerlodge National Forest.

The Big Belt Mountain Range lies east of Helena, extending south to Townsend. The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness area is situated on the north end of the Big Belts and takes its name from the distinctive cliffs along the Missouri River noted in the journals of Lewis and Clark. Much of the Big Belts are dissected by rugged limestone canyons and provide scenic enjoyment for hikers and motorists.

Facilities: The Helena National Forest has several developed sites including family and group campgrounds. Most campgrounds are managed as fee sites open to the public from Memorial Day through mid-September.

There are seven administrative cabins available for public use on the Helena National Forest. These rustic cabins, rented for a small fee, offer a unique opportunity for primitive lodging.

Best Time To Visit: The Helena National Forest is open year-round but some activities are only available seasonally.

Fees: Fees are charged depending on the activity. For example, some campgrounds within the Helena National Forest charge a camping fee.

Accessibility: Portions of the forest are accessible.

Rules: Please obey any fire restrictions and posted signs. Pets need to be leashed while visiting developed areas of the Forest.

Directions: The Helena National Forest is best accessed through Helena, Montana.

Map: Click here for a map to Helena National Forest

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or required to visit the Helena National Forest. Some campgrounds may accept reservations.

Address

Helena National Forest

2880 Skyway Drive

Helena, Montana 59602

Phone
General: (406) 449-5201

Website