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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

U.S. Forest Service - Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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Coeur d'Alene, ID
U.S. Forest Service - Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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The USDA Forest Service page is a combined effort of the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service.

Comment Policy: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/usda-comment-policy From the shores of big lakes to the banks of winding rivers, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests create a tapestry of land and water in the handle of North Idaho. The Forest has been and continues to be the lifeline for local communities. Silver, gold and large timber drew settlers to the area. Remnant roads that once led to work now lead to play, and treasures sought are now recreational - water-based activities, winter uses and the traditional hiking, hunting, fishing and gathering. More than half the state’s surface water is on the Forest. These vast lakes and miles of rivers support a world class fishery. Rich in wildlife, the Forest is home to large game such as elk and deer, as well as species such as grizzly bears, wolves and caribou that add to the sense of "wildness". From lush evergreen mountains to the shores of big waters, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest has a rich history that continues to link families and forest. Historic cabins and lookouts dot the landscape, while significant places such as Hiawatha Trail and Marble Creek Historic District add depth to the heritage. Fire has played, and 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.

10/30/2026

More trails. More opportunities to explore! 🏍️🌲

This October, the Northern Rockies Trail Project and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Motorized Trails Program partnered to build a new 1.5-mile OHV trail for vehicles 50 inches or less on the east side of the Canfield Mountain Trail System.

The trail will connect Trail #1593 to Forest Service Road 268 (Fernan Grade), expanding riding opportunities and improving access to the area.

Funded through a 2025 Off-Road Motor Vehicle Fund grant and made possible by our excellent partnership with the Department, this project is a great example of investing in trails, expanding recreation access, and improving visitor experiences on our national forests.

We expect the trail to be completed by the end of October!

10/29/2026

Come join our team!
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests is hiring temporary seasonal firefighter positions for 2027. The time to apply is now!

We have positions available across the entire national forest, with duty locations in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Smelterville, St. Maries, Avery, Bonners Ferry and Nordman.

Applications will be accepted starting tomorrow, October 30, through November 12. This is the only window to apply for next year’s temporary seasonal fire jobs. Be sure to review the new two page resume limit. All applications must be submitted online through www.usajobs.gov
Call your local ranger district office with questions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/offices

10/29/2026

The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is officially on the road! 🎄 First stop: Grangeville!

Join us tomorrow for the first Whistlestop as we bring holiday spirit to towns across the country. Get ready for festive events, community celebrations, and more as we count down to the tree lighting in Washington, D.C.!

⏰When: October 29th, 4-6pm
📍Where: Idaho Forest Group, Grangeville, ID

Stay tuned for upcoming stops, and check out the full tour route on our website to follow along on the journey: https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/events-tours/

U.S. Forest Service - Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Idaho Forest Group

10/28/2026

🔥 A little more warmth in the backcountry! 🏔️

A historic lookout just got a cozy upgrade! This year, the St. Joe Ranger District teamed up with three volunteers and a member of the Missoula-based Historic Preservation Team to install a brand-new wood-burning stove and chimney at Mallard Peak Lookout. 🪵🔥

Built in 1929, Mallard Peak was one of the district’s first fire lookouts and an early prototype of the L-4 cab design that became a regional standard for decades.

Today, this piece of Forest Service history continues to welcome backcountry travelers exploring the trails of the Mallard Larkin Pioneer Area, near the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest boundary.

🌲 Preserving the past. Improving the experience. Keeping the backcountry accessible. That’s what caring for our recreation infrastructure is all about!

🥾 Planning an adventure through the area? Mallard Peak Lookout is available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. If you stop by, help us care for this special place so future visitors can enjoy it, too.

Driving directions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/recreation/mallard-peak-lookout

(Forest Service photos by Dana Sukau)

10/28/2026

10/27/2026

Celebrate the season with our FREE pumpkin carving stencils featuring Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, and spooky bats!

Download, carve, and share your creations to show your love for the forest and all who protect it. Happy Halloween and have fun carving!

Link to FREE stencils: https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/coloring-pages

10/23/2026

Forest Products Week 2026 Spotlight: Huckleberries and Mushrooms!

Our forests provide more than wood. They are home to nutritious and flavorful berries and mushrooms. These wild forest products support wildlife, local communities, and healthy ecosystems.

Harvesting Huckleberries: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/forest-products/nonwood-products/harvesting-huckleberries

Morel Mushrooms: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/permits/morel-mushrooms

10/22/2026

The Priest Lake Ranger District, in partnership with the Bismark Barn Restoration Committee, the Priest Lake Museum, and the Idaho Heritage Trust, has finalized plans to execute Phase 2 of the Bismark Barn Restoration project.

As a continuation of Phase 1, which successfully cleared access and stabilized the structure in 2023, this next step will prevent further deterioration to the 105-year-old historic barn.

The partners will utilize heavy machinery to deconstruct and rebuild the deteriorated log walls with replacement timbers, repair the interior columns, reconstruct the wood plank floors, and install a protective interim metal roof. Additionally, the project will involve reinstalling historic features, replacing window glass, and felling hazardous trees threatening the structure.

Next phase of work will begin in June to preserve this remnant of early Forest Service fire management history!

10/21/2026

Join the Idaho Panhandle National Forests for a community meeting in Clark Fork to discuss Lightning Creek Road.

In December 2025, a flood event washed out sections of the road, bridges, and other infrastructure. Much of the road remains closed to motor vehicles.

Forest Service staff will provide photos and a discussion of damages and discuss options for repair and reconstruction.

When: 5 PM on Tuesday, October 27

Where: Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School cafeteria, 502 N Main Street

Emergency Road Closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts/emergency-road-closure-lightning-creek-forest-road-419

Sandpoint Ranger District: (208) 263-5111

Address

3232 West Nursery Road
Coeur D'alene, ID
83815

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12087657223

Website

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle

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