Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Idaho Panhandle National Forest encompasses approximately 2.6 million acres of forest land across northern Idaho and a small portion of western Montana. The forest is comprised of three distinct units: Kaniksu, Coeur d'Alene, and St. Joe National Forests. The landscape features rugged mountains, dense coniferous forests dominated by species such as Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western larch, and glacially-carved lakes and rivers. Elevations range from around 1,900 feet to over 7,200 feet. The forest supports a diverse array of wildlife including elk, black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, and the rare woodland caribou, which reintroduced populations inhabit parts of the forest. It has a rich human history with roots in Native American cultures, mining, logging, and recreation. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as backpacking on extensive trail systems, fishing in pristine streams, boating on large lakes, snowmobiling in winter, and camping in developed and primitive sites. Popular landmarks include the historic Red Ives Trail, scenic Priest Lake, and the remote Scotchman Peak, the highest summit in the area offering panoramic views. The forest's blend of accessible recreation and wilderness offers appeal to both casual visitors and avid outdoorspeople seeking solitude and natural beauty. Management focuses on sustainable forestry, habitat preservation, and maintaining water quality to protect the forest’s ecological integrity.
