Forests are woven into the identity of Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Across the region, towering pines, alpine lakes, rugged mountain peaks and remote wilderness areas create landscapes that have shaped communities, recreation and conservation efforts for generations.
Montana is home to 12 national forests, five of which stretch across Glacier Country: Lolo National Forest, Bitterroot National Forest, Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest and portions of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Together, these public lands encompass more than 8 million acres of protected forestland.
The region’s forests support wildlife habitat, recreation, watershed health and local communities, while also preserving an important chapter of America’s conservation story. Throughout Glacier Country, visitors can explore museums, ranger stations, historic sites and events that celebrate the legacy of the U.S. Forest Service and the people who have worked to steward these landscapes.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FOREST SERVICE HISTORY
Located in Missoula and newly opened in July of 2026, the National Museum of Forest Service History highlights the history of forest conservation in the United States and the evolution of public lands stewardship.
Exhibits explore early conservation leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, as well as the development of alpine ski areas and the connection between smokejumpers and World War II paratroopers. Outside, walk the interpretive Forest Discovery Trail through a “Champion Grove” and view an L-4 Fire Lookout Tower replica. The center is open year-round, with its grand opening scheduled for July 17, 2026.
NINEMILE REMOUNT DEPOT AND HISTORIC RANGER STATION
Near Frenchtown, the Ninemile Remount Depot and Historic Ranger Station offers a self-guided look into the history of pack animals and firefighting operations in the Northern Rockies.
Originally established in 1930, the depot served as a central training and supply facility for packers and pack stock used in firefighting and backcountry work projects. Explore the historic Cape Cod-style buildings and surrounding mountain landscape while learning about the station’s important role in forest management and wildfire response.
MISSOULA SMOKEJUMPER VISITOR CENTER
Missoula is the official birthplace of smokejumping, where the U.S. Forest Service pioneered the first fire jumps in American history. Today, that legacy continues at the Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center at Missoula Montana Airport, one of the largest and most active training bases in the country.
The Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center is one of the city’s most unique attractions, offering a look at the history and evolution of wildland firefighting from an active smokejumper base. Exhibits include murals, videos, parachutes, jump gear and a reconstructed lookout tower, with insight into smokejumper training, aircraft operations and wildfire response throughout history. Guided tours typically last 45 minutes and are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with winter tours available by appointment.
HAUGAN SAVENAC HISTORIC U.S. FOREST SERVICE NURSERY
In Haugan, approximately 90 miles west of Missoula, the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery preserves the history of one of the Forest Service’s earliest nurseries.
Walk interpretive trails and explore exhibits, memorials and historic artifacts connected to early reforestation efforts in the region. The nursery is typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
HISTORICAL MUSEUM AT FORT MISSOULA
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula features several exhibits connected to Montana’s forestry and logging history.
View a historic teepee burner once used by regional sawmills, the Forestry Area Sawmill exhibit and the Miller Creek Guard Station, which housed fire watchers after the devastating 1910 wildfires that burned millions of acres across the Northern Rockies. The museum is also home to the Sliderock Lookout, a restored fire tower similar to those still used for wildfire detection today.
THE JACK SALOON
Tucked along Graves Creek between Lolo and Lolo Hot Springs, The Jack Saloon offers a glimpse into Montana’s logging history.
Built from rough-hewn cedar logs, the longtime gathering place features a bar and grill, live music, cabin rentals and RV parking. Inside, visitors will find decades of names, carvings and messages etched into the timber walls by loggers and travelers passing through the area.
SEELEY LAKE RANGER DISTRICT AND GUS THE TREE
At the Seeley Lake Ranger District visitor center, learn more about the surrounding forests and visit one of the region’s most remarkable trees.
A mile-long nature trail through Gerard Grove leads to “Gus,” a western larch estimated to be nearly 1,000 years old and recognized as one of the world’s largest larch trees.
BIG PINE
Near Alberton, Big Pine Fishing Access Site is home to Montana’s largest known ponderosa pine and the third-largest ponderosa pine in the United States.
Estimated to be nearly 400 years old, the tree can be reached less than 5 miles from Interstate 90.
FOREST SERVICE FIRE LOOKOUT AND CABIN RENTALS
One of Glacier Country’s lesser-known lodging experiences is the opportunity to stay in historic U.S. Forest Service cabins and fire lookout towers available through Recreation.gov.
Accommodations range from mountaintop fire lookouts to rustic log cabins located near rivers, forests and backcountry recreation areas, offering a memorable way to experience Montana’s public lands.
FOREST HERITAGE EVENTS
Several communities throughout Glacier Country celebrate the region’s forestry heritage through annual events and demonstrations.
Each April, Missoula hosts Forestry Day at Fort Missoula, featuring logging competitions, antique sawmill demonstrations and horse logging exhibitions.
In June, the community of Libby celebrates Lincoln County Logger Days with educational exhibits, demonstrations and events honoring the region’s long-standing forest stewardship and timber history.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
July 13, 2026
Related: Alberton, Events, Family Fun, Frenchtown, Haugan, Libby, Lolo, Missoula, Montana, Museums, Outdoor Fun, Seeley Lake, Summer Fun
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