Know Before You Go
TIP: Consider adjusting the time of day you plan to explore. By arriving early, you may experience shorter lines and reduced crowds for a more enjoyable experience!
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers a great resource on closures around the state due to floods, fire, drought and major maintenance. Check it out: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.
Before you take off on your Southwest Montana adventure, take the time to check travel updates and forecasts before you head out. If you plan to explore our wide-open spaces, here are a few suggestions:
- In Montana, the weather changes from one hour to the next. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you leave and again each day.
- Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, and don’t forget to pack layers!
- Be Bear Aware! Southwest Montana is bear country, make lots of noise while hiking, stay on the trails, be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave your pack unattended, keep a clean camp, pack out your trash, and camp and hike with bear spray.
- Let friends or family know where you will be exploring before you head out, you’ll find places throughout the region with little or no cell coverage.
For more information from each of our counties, visit their Health Department and Chamber of Commerce websites:
- Powell: Powell County Chamber of Commerce
- Lewis & Clark: Helena Area Chamber of Commerce
- Madison: Ennis Area Chamber of Commerce | Greater Ruby Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Silver-Bow: Butte Chamber of Commerce
- Beaverhead: Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce
- Deer Lodge (Anaconda): Anaconda Chamber of Commerce
- Granite: Philipsburg Chamber of Commerce
- Jefferson: Boulder Area Chamber of Commerce
- Broadwater: Townsend Area Chamber of Commerce
Fire Season
Fire season is upon us, and as a result much of the state is under various fire restrictions. You will see both Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions across our counties. Violation of these restrictions could lead to individual fines and liability for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire.
Stage 1 Prohibits:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire unless noted as an exemption.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Stage 2 Prohibits:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
The following acts are prohibited from 1:00pm to 1:00am:
- Operating any internal combustion engine
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame
- Using an explosive
- Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails
Learn More
Learn more about current fires, conditions, and restrictions from a variety of great resources.
