Safe and Responsible Recreation

Our growing mountain towns are within easy reach of Montana’s natural wonders. Montana’s beauty… its lakes, rivers, mountains, and land and the fish and wildlife they support are the focal point of recreation for thousands of residents and visitors each year. All this activity can put pressure on our ecosystems and wildlife.

Together, we can keep Montana wild, beautiful, and pristine by doing our part to take care of it, including sharing information with visitors and residents about how to recreate responsibly and safely.

Minimize your recreational impact on Montana’s water and land.

Plan ahead:

Research the weather forecast, road conditions, fire and smoke conditions, maps and property lines, and so much more. Even if the weather is expected to be sunny, always bring extra layers, especially if you’re headed to the mountains.

During winter, it's important to also learn how to recreate responsibly and safely in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Be sure to check for avalanche danger and familiarize yourself with ice safety tips.

Be a good steward of the outdoors:

Pack out everything that you pack in. Leave the outdoors outside for others to enjoy. Dispose of waste properly.

Traveling with your dog? Learn whether they are allowed where you are going, clean up after them, or schedule doggie daycare.

Stay on marked trails. Know where you are going, and always stay on marked trails whether hiking, biking, skiing, or horseback riding, and learn about the Yield Triangle guidelines for sharing trails.

Take wildfire precautions. Campfires should be in designated fire pits and completely cold to the touch before leaving or going to sleep. Be sure to check whether there are campfire restrictions before you go.

Be bear and wildlife aware. Montana is known to be bear country. And, we also have moose, mountain lions, elks, mountain goats, wolves, and more. While most bear and wildlife encounters do not involve conflict, they can be especially dangerous if wildlife is protecting their young or a food source. Learn how to avoid conflicts with wildlife, make noise, hike with a buddy, carry bear spray, learn how to use it.

Recreate on water safely and respectfully:

Montana’s clean and cold glacial lakes, rivers, and streams are popular places for swimming, floating, fishing, and more. While our waters are inviting, keep in mind a few things to play safely and responsibly.

Be mindful of where you are standing. It is easy to slip on wet rocks, and it can be fatal. And never walk on river ice!

Wear a life jacket. Children under 12, waters skiers, tubers, and anyone being towed by a boat and operating or riding a personal watercraft like a jet ski MUST wear a lifejacket or other PFD (personal flotation device). For more boating safety information.

Clean, Drain, Dry your watercraft. All boats and water toys - motorized or not- must be cleaned, drained, and dried before moving it to another body of water to prevent the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) – plants, animals, or pathogens that are not native to Montana and can cause tremendous harm to our waters, farms, economy, and health.

All watercrafts entering the Flathead Watershed must be inspected at an AIS station.

Get a copy of Montana’s boating laws, and follow them. Be a courteous boater. Reduce your wake and observe ‘no wake zones’ (Out to 200 ft from shore, more than 3 times the length of most docks) and low speed zones.

Fuel away from water. Also, regularly check your boat’s fuel tanks and lines, as plastic and rubber can degrade over time.

Never assume ice is safe, and never walk out on river ice, as ice conditions can change quickly across short distances and time. Check the following tips before you go ice fishing.

Properly dispose of all waste. Have a garbage bag handy to secure all your trash until you return to shore. Know where pump out stations are located, here for Flathead Lake. Keep cleaning products out of the water, and choose non-toxic, phosphate-free, biodegradable options.

Appreciate our natural environment and respect our neighbors. Keep your distance from birds and other wildlife -many are raising young and vulnerable to disturbances. Listen to the sound that nature makes… and allow others to enjoy them as well. Consider non-motorized watercraft, and avoid playing loud music.

Montana Stream Access Law grants the public the right to enjoy rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high-water mark. It's crucial to understand that this law doesn't allow access to posted lands along these water bodies or crossing private properties to reach the water. If you own waterfront property, it's important to be aware of and prepared for such public use. Certain waters on national parks, Native American Reservations, or wildlife refuges may have special rules. Learn more…

WATCH: Flathead Rivers Alliance’s Recreate Responsibly | Leave No Trace on the Flathead Wild & Scenic River

Planning a trip on the Three Forks of the Flathead River?

Here's what you need to know to recreate responsibly on this unique river system. Know before you go! This iconic 219-mile designated Wild & Scenic River system offers endless adventures in Glacier Country. The North, Middle, and South Forks have different origins and personalities, until they merge to form the main stem of the Flathead River.

Learn more at Three Forks of the Flathead River: Alerts, Conditions, Required Gear, Trip Planning Tips, Outfitters, & Resources.

Make it better:

There are many opportunities to volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors. You can join a fun annual water or park cleanup event, join a citizen science monitoring project or education efforts – think teaching kids about birds! – join a hiking group, or help the City of Kalispell keep a storm drain clean, and more.

TAKE ACTION