Helena National Forest

Helena National Forest covers a total area of almost 1 million acres of land that is located in West-central Montana spread across several countries including Powell, Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, Meagher, and Jefferson counties. One of the largest close-by cities is Helena, but there are several other smaller nearby urban places including Townsend, Lincoln, and Boulder. 

The forest can be accessed using Interstate 15 and U.S. Route 12. The forest was established on April 12, 1906, and is governed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors to the Helena National Forest can get an exceptional treat to a wide variety of resources and attractions. For instance, visitors can enjoy sections of both the continental divide and the Scapegoat Wilderness area. 

This area can be enjoyed using the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The Scapegoat Wilderness area is located in part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. The southern region of the forest includes the Elkhorn Mountains. Other attractions in the forest are the Blackfoot and Missouri rivers as well as the Scapegoat and Gates of the Mountains wilderness areas that together cover an area of about 260,000 acres of land. 

Besides these attractions, Helena National Forest is an exceptional place to enjoy several different recreational activities including fishing, camping, hunting, boating, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, OHV riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking. Visitors can also make use of several forest amenities including several cabins, 13 campgrounds, picnic sites, trails (1000+ miles), and scenic drives. 

These resources can be enjoyed in the company of your dog, but it is important to remember that there are several rules that you must adhere to. For example, you are always expected to keep your dog leashed. If your dog is not leashed, then they should be kept in a secure enclosure. Furthermore, you are expected to avoid areas of the forest that are prohibited to dogs.