Recreate Responsibly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Anything you take into Montana’s outdoors with you also needs to be taken out by you. This means garbage, pet waste and everything in between. And if you see garbage that’s not yours, we encourage you to pick that up and pack it out, too.
• Leave the outdoors outside. Don’t take rocks, plants, trees, flowers or any other wild thing (including animals) with you.
• Be considerate of those around you. Oftentimes, folks head outside to enjoy the peace, solitude and fresh air that’s found there. As much as possible, let the sounds of nature prevail, while also keeping in mind that Montana is bear country and it’s well-advised to make noise as you hike in the outdoors to let wildlife know you’re there.
• Share the trail and follow posted guidelines. Most trails in northwest Montana are multi-use and you may encounter hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Take a minute and learn the yield triangle: mountain bikers yield to horses and foot traffic; hikers yield to horses and descending riders; and downhill hikers yield to hikers heading uphill. And if you’re biking, be sure to help keep single-track trails just that by staying on the trail, avoiding muddy trails and riding through – and not around – standing water. Resources: IMBA Rules of the Trail.

When it comes to camping, please stick to developed campsites and campgrounds. National parks, state parks and national forests all offer abundant campsites, include free sites and fee-based campgrounds. 

During our hot weather months when fire danger is high, be sure to check restrictions regarding having a campfire. 

Keep your campfire small, ensure it’s out completely and cold to the touch prior to leaving or going to sleep. Learn more about campfires and how to safely have them from Smokey Bear.

If you’re visiting Big Sky Country in the summer, know that road construction is a usual occurrence during this time of year. For the latest information on construction throughout Montana, get the full rundown from the Montana Department of Transportation road conditions here.

And if you’re planning to visit Glacier National Park, get the latest on the status of roads here.

Our best advice: make a backup plan. Whether it’s related to weather, road closures, construction delays or congestion at parking areas or trailheads, it’s always a good idea to have an alternate plan. Check out things to do outside Glacier National Park, explore murals and street art, kayak on Flathead Lake, fish the Swan River, peruse local shops and watering holes in downtown Kalispell, take a horseback trail ride through the mountains of Montana or simply take a drive. 

• Make sure you have the gear you need. This includes sturdy boots (break them in before bringing them to Montana), bear spray, layers, a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks.
• Hike with a buddy. While you can take a solo hike, it’s always a good idea to hike with a buddy. If you are hiking solo, stick to well-marked trails and let a friend know where you’re headed and when you plan on being back. 
• Respect public (and private) lands. There are portions of trails on public lands that also cross onto private property. Be respectful and stay on trails.
• Take a map with you and if you’re hiking with a group, let someone outside of your hiking buddies know where you are going. 
• Know basic trail manners. For example, if you are a hiker heading uphill, you have the right of way.
• If you’re hiking with a dog, be sure you know the rules of the trail and where dogs are and are not allowed. Pets are not permitted on trails in Glacier National Park, while dogs are welcome in the Flathead National Forest. Keep in mind that some trails and developed areas require your pup to be on a leash.

When recreating outdoors, be sure to recreate responsibly and know how to use fire in a safe and appropriate way. Only have a campfire in an approved and designated area and when you’re done camping or cooking, be sure it’s fully extinguished. Other practical tips: take care to properly dispose of matches and cigarette butts in a closed container (never flick them out a window), don’t park a vehicle on dry grass, if you’re pulling a trailer or boat make sure your chains aren’t dragging (chains can create sparks and cause wildfires) and use extra caution in wooded areas. Plan ahead: know what fire restrictions are in place where you are going and check if campfires and/or barbeques are allowed.

Keep in mind that Montana may have smoke in our skies that can affect air quality. Sometimes this smoke is from wildland fires burning in Montana, but oftentimes the smoke is blowing in from other areas, states or countries. You can get the latest information on wildfires at MTFire.org, while air quality reports are found here.

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Be sure you keep it in a location that’s easily accessible, like your belt or an open outside pocket (do not keep it in your backpack). Bear spray is available for purchase in many local stores, and you can rent it in Apgar Village and Glacier National Park. Learn how to use bear spray before you head out on the trails; you can watch the video here.
• Hike in a group.
• Let bears and wildlife know you’re there. Bears don’t want to encounter people in the wild and if they hear you coming, they’ll typically get out of the way. Make noise – you can talk loudly, holler “Hey beaaaar!” or even clap to let them know you’re coming. 
• Be wise. If a bear is aggressive, it’s typically because they are protecting their babies or they have a food supply (like a moose or elk) nearby. Never turn and run from a bear – instead slowly back away and give it room. If you encounter a bear on a trail, move out of his or her way and let them pass. Want to learn more? Glacier National Park and Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks have additional intel on how to have a safe visit to Montana.

Follow food storage guidelines: don’t bury or leave behind any food or food scraps. Never store food, candy or scented items in your tent, and never leave food out and unattended at your campsite. Hang your food at least 10 feet up and four feet out from an upright support or secure in a hard-sided bear-resistant container. Keep all attractants away from your campsite. Learn more about proper food storage from the U.S. Forest Service. 

In the background, you may find that there are no available restrooms; learn how to answer the “call of the wild.”

Additional resources: backcountry camping in national parks and the beginner’s guide to the backcountry.

• Our water is cold. All of Montana’s waterways are glacial-fed or snow-fed, which makes them much colder than water in other places.
• It’s easy to slip. Once rocks and logs get wet, they can be slippery, making it easy to fall into the water. Take extra care when walking across or through rivers, bays and lakes.
• Get a PFD. In Montana, personal flotation devices (life jackets) must be worn by kids under the age of 12, as well as waters skiers/tubers/anyone being towed by a boat and anyone operating or riding a personal watercraft like a jet ski. Be sure you have enough life jackets for everyone on board your watercraft.
• Keep an eye on little ones. Water, especially in spring and early summer, flows quick and fast, with rapids and waterfalls being prevalent.

Clean, Drain, Dry.

As a state, Montana has worked hard to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. If you’re coming here with a motorized or non-motorized watercraft, you will need to have it inspected prior to hitting the water. More about bringing your watercraft into Montana can be found here.

• Keep in mind that if your dog isn’t allowed, there’s a good reason for it, like protecting wildlife and people. It’s easy to find places that allow dogs on leashes (like the Flathead National Forest), while some city and county parks have off-leash fenced areas to play with your pup.
• Clean up. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet and disposing of the waste in the garbage.
• If you’re planning to visit Glacier National Park, your dog is allowed in your car while driving park roads, some campgrounds, picnic areas in parking areas and along roadways when you are stopped. Dogs are not allowed on trails, along lake shores outside of developed locations, in the backcountry or in any buildings.
• Take your dog to an off-leash park, like Begg Park Dog Park off Airport Road on the south side of Kalispell and Hugh Rogers WAG Park in Whitefish.
• If you plan on heading to a place where your dog isn’t allowed, schedule doggie daycare. There are a variety of local companies that offer this service, including Glacier K9 Resort & Spa, The Dog Club, Dee-O-Gee and Pawsitively Perfect.