Idaho Panhandle National Forests
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests were created in 1973 to administer the Coeur d'Alene, Kaniksu, and St. Joe National Forests which encompass 2.5 million acres.
Photo credit: Carolyn Dexter/USFS
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests comprise about 2.5 million acres of public lands within "the panhandle" of northern Idaho and parts of eastern Washington and western Montana. More than half of Idaho’s surface water is in the Idaho Panhandle. These vast lakes and miles of rivers support a world-class fishery, and the forests are rich in wildlife. From lush evergreen mountains to the shores of big water lakes, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests have a rich history that continue to link families and forest. Historic cabins and lookouts dot the landscape, while significant places such as Hiawatha Trail, Marble Creek Historic logging displays, and Pulaski Tunnel Trail add depth to the heritage. Fire continues to play an important role in the landscape’s evolution. Forest roads and trails trace the past of American Indians, mining, logging, and Forest Service history. This area is often called "lake country" and Lake Coeur d'Alene is a center for recreation, as are the readily available National Forest lands. Recreational opportunities are numerous, including summer activities of camping, hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, motorcycle riding, boating and water skiing, and fishing. During the winter months, hunting, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular. The area contains several hundred miles of fishable streams and numerous lakes.
Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers
Cabinet Mountains Wilderness - Variety best describes the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, ranging from the high, rocky peaks often snowcapped year-round, to groves of huge cedars in the canopied valleys.
Invasive Species
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