National Forests · ID,MT,WA

Dogs in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests cover more than two million acres across northern Idaho and into Montana and Washington, taking in Priest Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and the Coeur d'Alene and St. Joe River country. The rugged Salmo-Priest Wilderness sits in the far northern tip.

Dogs are welcome across the forests. Keep them leashed in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under voice or physical control on general forest trails and in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs are welcome across the forests. Keep them leashed in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under voice or physical control on general forest trails and in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.

Where dogs are not allowed

Designated swim beaches at lakes such as Priest Lake and Lake Pend Oreille are usually closed to pets.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forests

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Idaho Panhandle National Forests?

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests cover more than two million acres across northern Idaho and into Montana and Washington, taking in Priest Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and the Coeur d'Alene and St. Joe River country. The rugged Salmo-Priest Wilderness sits in the far northern tip. Dogs are welcome across the forests. Keep them leashed in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under voice or physical control on general forest trails and in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.

What is the leash rule at Idaho Panhandle National Forests?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Where are dogs not allowed at Idaho Panhandle National Forests?

Designated swim beaches at lakes such as Priest Lake and Lake Pend Oreille are usually closed to pets.

Are service animals allowed at Idaho Panhandle National Forests?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.