National Forest · MT,ID

Dogs in Kootenai National Forest

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

Dogs are welcome across this corner of Northwest Montana, from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness to Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge. This is grizzly country, so keep your dog close and under control.

Dogs can hike the forest's trails and the 93,000-acre Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Keep them leashed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. Because a forest-wide food storage order is in effect for grizzly bears, keeping your dog under control helps avoid wildlife encounters.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs can hike the forest's trails and the 93,000-acre Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Keep them leashed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. Because a forest-wide food storage order is in effect for grizzly bears, keeping your dog under control helps avoid wildlife encounters.

Where dogs are not allowed

Pets are not allowed in designated swim areas.

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 Forest

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Kootenai National Forest?

Dogs are welcome across this corner of Northwest Montana, from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness to Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge. This is grizzly country, so keep your dog close and under control. Dogs can hike the forest's trails and the 93,000-acre Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Keep them leashed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. Because a forest-wide food storage order is in effect for grizzly bears, keeping your dog under control helps avoid wildlife encounters.

What is the leash rule at Kootenai National Forest?

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 Kootenai National Forest?

Pets are not allowed in designated swim areas.

Are service animals allowed at Kootenai National Forest?

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