The great outdoors is a big part of what makes Montana so special. We are grateful for what this place has to offer, but with this comes a responsibility to think about our collective impact on our natural resources and to be a part of sustaining them. Below are nine ways we ask you to recreate responsibly while here, to keep you safe while enjoying Glacier Country and to help preserve this place for future generations.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Plan ahead and be prepared. Adequate research, planning and preparation ensure safer, more enjoyable travels—especially in the wild and unpredictable outdoors—and minimize your impact on Montana’s resources and lands. Poor planning can lead to missed experiences and frustration, and it can cause unintended damage.

Consider stopping by a visitor information center to talk through your plans with a local expert.

Before you head out:

  • Know what’s open and when.
  • Secure reservations in advance.
  • Be aware of fire restrictions.
  • Know the weather forecast.
  • Consider your skill level and activity limits when planning activities.
  • Map your route and share your location.
  • Know what to wear and pack.
  • Travel responsibly with pets.

PLAY IT SAFE

Pack the right gear and know your limits. There are some essential steps you can take to stay safe while recreating in Montana’s great outdoors, from general safety knowledge to avalanche safety and water safety. Please plan ahead to play it safe.  

General safety:

  • Stick to activities that fit your skill level. 
  • Know your physical limitations.
  • Always travel with ample water and provisions.
  • Have a first-aid kit in your car or backpack. 

WATER SAFETY

Swimming Safety
Our rivers and lakes make the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, but please make sure you know how to swim, and take the following precautions:

  1. Only swim in designated swimming areas.
  2. When in doubt, get out. 
  3. Know the conditions.
  4. Never swim alone.
  5. Choose the right equipment.
  6. Understand currents.
  7. Don’t mix swimming and alcohol.
  8. Wear a USCG-approved life vest.
  9. Have a plan for emergencies.
  10. Swim parallel to the shore.
  11. Learn more about these important 10 open water safety tips. 

Boating Safety
There are multiple ways to boat and float Montana’s waterways. That means many different types of recreators may be sharing a boating area. Please recreate responsibly by operating your boat at a safe speed and keeping an adequate distance from others. Give sailboats and other nonmotorized craft a wide berth. Read more about boating safety here. 

 Please wear a personal flotation device while boating, and never mix alcohol with water recreation. Photo: Andy Austin

River and Stream Safety
Montana is known for world-class river recreation, drawing anglers, rafters and floaters from far and wide. To ensure a memorable experience, play it safe by being prepared with the right gear, understanding river flows and currents, and being prepared for water hazards. Read more about river and stream safety here.

EXPLORE MINDFULLY

Be thoughtful and aware. Exploring local parks, trails and public spaces is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Being mindful of your impact on these environments ensures they remain enjoyable for everyone.

Be part of an inclusive outdoors. We all play a role in helping to make sure our great outdoors are safe and welcoming for all abilities and identities by being kind, respectful and patient. 

Please be mindful when traveling to national parks and forest service lands. Services may be limited, trails uncleared, and campgrounds closed due to short staffing. Be kind to staff, and help by not overloading trash cans and restrooms, pack in what you pack out, and leave no trace.  

Be good stewards of our public lands. Never recreate on private land without permission.

TREAD LIGHTLY

When recreating on motorized vehicles, please do your part by staying in designated areas and keeping trails and waterways clean and litter-free, minimizing your impact. Take the initiative to understand and uphold responsible recreation practices tailored to your specific motorized activities. Find your activity and ways to tread lightly when recreating here. 

Travel responsibly on designated roads, trails and areas. Photo: Levi Lavallee

LEAVE NO TRACE

Minimize your impact. We believe in being good stewards of our destination, balancing our culture, natural environment, and quality of life and experience—protecting the very qualities that make Western Montana first and foremost a wonderful place to live, with the added benefit of being a wonderful place to visit. Visit Leave No Trace for free training on its seven principles.

FOLLOW FIRE SAFETY

Help prevent wildland fires. Western Montana is susceptible to wildland fire, especially during the dry summer months. Following campfire safety is crucial. Preventable wildland fires threaten lives, wild animals and their habitat, property, and our precious natural resources. Learn how campfire safety and vehicle maintenance can help prevent wildland fires.  

Did you know it takes two buckets of water to properly put out a campfire?

BE WILDLIFE WISE

Act responsibly around wild animals. Wildlife is just that—wild. It’s important to act responsibly around wildlife.

  • View wildlife from the safety of your car or from a safe distance. Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and at least 25 yards away from all other wildlife, such as mountain goats or bison.
  • Never approach, touch or feed wildlife, even when an animal does not seem to be threatened by your presence.
  • Let wildlife know you’re nearby. When hiking, be sure to bring a friend, carry bear spray (and know how to use it), stay on designated trails and make noise at regular intervals.
  • Read more about bear safety and guidelines here.
When hiking in Western Montana, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is important. Photo: Brian Chorski

RESPECT TRIBAL LANDS

Be considerate in sacred places. It’s important to know when you are on tribal lands and to be respectful while you’re there. Tribal communities welcome visitors, but keep in mind this is not public land, and there are sacred places we must not disturb. It’s also important to be mindful and respectful of a tribe’s unique culture, history and traditions. Make sure you “know before you go” in terms of permits and policies that may be different from Montana law.

Tribal Permits: If you plan to recreate (camp, fish, hunt, hike, boat) on tribal land, you will need a tribal permit. Visit Blackfeet Reservation and Flathead Reservation for more information. Please note, access to some areas on reservations may be prohibited to nontribal members. Please respect and obey these areas, which should be marked with signage.

Find more information on pow wow etiquette, recreational marijuana laws on tribal lands, and supporting American Indian businesses here. 

For more information, a video and instructions on recreating responsibly in Western Montana, please visit RecreateResponsiblyMT.com.

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.

April 21, 2025

Related: Boating, Montana, Off Roading, Outdoor Fun, Recreate Responsibly, Road Trips, Vacation, Water Fun

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