Huckleberryexpress

Kootenai National Forest surrounds my home. Their homepage for the forest service is here. If you are planning a vacation that includes camping or hiking on Forest Service ground, then a stop here for information is highly recommended. I spent years on the local search and rescue, the folks we had to come and help did not go into the woods prepared properly. Leaving notice at one of the trailheads for your departure and expected arrival times is a smart thing to do. Getting information of the wilderness trails ahead of time or before leaving home will help avoid potential problems with getting lost or not packing correctly. Please remember that just because it is 90 degrees outside during the day does not mean that it can't snow that night. It has happened in Montana many times, a freak snowstorm overtakes a person unprepared. Always pack a coat of some kind or wool shirt that will keep in your body heat when the weather turns sour. Wool keeps the body heat in even when wet.

I will be including interactive maps for the different areas on my home state of Montana as we cover them. I hope you find them useful. I will try and include maps for each area of discussion so you can take a look and plan your vacation.

Here is a small map from the local Forest Service that gives you an idea of what the area looks like. Mountains on both sides of the river. The elevation of Heron is about 2,250 feet or so. Not very high, but the surrounding peaks go 3 times that. A lot of sheer drop offs that have claimed a few lives over the years.

Montana High Country Outfitter

- www.montanahighcountry.com - (406) 847-2279

Wayne Hill Outfitting

- www.waynehilloutfitting.com - (406) 847-5563

NW Montana Outfitters

- www.jerrymalsonoutfitting.com - (406) 847-5582

Bullseye Outfitting

- maps.google.com - (406) 827-4932

Silver Bow Outfitters

- www.silverbowoutfitters.com - (406) 293-4868

Selkirk Powder Company

- www.selkirkpowderco.com - (208) 263-6959

Kootenai River Outfitters

- www.kroutfitters.com - (406) 295-9444

Tri State Outfitters

- www.t-state.com - (208) 772-0613

Northwest Outfitters

- www.nwoutfitters.com - (208) 772-1497

Sandpoint Outfitters

- www.sandpointoutfitters.com - (208) 263-9119

Here is list of the local hunting guide services that are in my area. Some of these folks I know personally of course, since our population is about 149 people. Trophy Bull Elk and Bear hunting seem to be a big draw here. They have pack trips and day trips available, so give them a call and see what packages they have. Taking a guided trip assures you of having a helping hand in unfamiliar territory with transportation and food. Having a breakdown and not having the needed supplies at hand can be life threatening, having a guide service for company can be a real life saver.