Author: USDA Forest Service

Mission Mountains

LEAVE NO TRACE

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
Know the regulations and special concerns for areas you’ll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
Durable surfaces include established trails, and campsites, rock, gravel, and dry grasses.
DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Do not burn trash.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep .
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them, so others may enjoy them.
PROTECT WATER RESOURCES
Camp at least 200 feet from water.
Wash yourself and dishes at least 200 feet from water.
MINIMIZE USE AND IMPACTS OF FIRE
Campfires cause a lasting impact to the Wilderness. Use a lightweight stove for cooking.
If you choose to have a fire, keep it small. Use only sticks on the ground that can be broken by hand.
Aluminum, glass, and steel do not burn!
RESPECT WILDLIFE
Never feed wildlife. Feeding animals damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing food and trash securely.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.

STOCK USERS

Pack and saddle stock must be hitched at least 200 feet from water in the Mission Mountains Wilderness.
WEED AND SEED FREE HAY IS REQUIRED.
Please use highlines for hitching your stock; it is the least impactful method.

TRIBAL WILDERNESS

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes require a permit for travel on the western slope of the Mission Mountains.

FOOD STORAGE

FOOD STORAGE IS REQUIRED
Attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner (as described below) at night and during the day when unattended.
ATTRACTANTS ARE:
Food, beverages, toiletries, garbage, pet food, and game meat.
BEAR-RESISTANT STORAGE MEANS:
Hung at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from any vertical support.
Stored inside a certified bear-resistant container or hard-sided vehicle with windows shut. COOLERS ARE NOT BEAR-RESISTANT.
All food waste must be packed out. Do not burn food waste in campfires.

4 feet

10 feet

·

·

Turquoise Lake

Lagoon Lake

Heart Lake

3.1

Lace Lake

·

Crescent Lake

0.7

Glacier Lake

·

·

0.2

·

0.7

1.7

1.3

·

WHAT IS WILDERNESS?

Wilderness areas are lands designated by Congress to remain undeveloped and natural. Wilderness may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historic value. Wilderness can mean many different things to many people, but the Wilderness Act of 1964 provides a common definition for designated areas. A key word in this definition is untrammeled, which is defined to mean uncontrolled, unrestricted, or not modified by humans. It means Wilderness is unlike any other land in the nation, where humans are merely visitors and natural forces are allowed to dominate in order to preserve natural conditions.

BE BEAR AWARE

The Mission Mountains Wilderness is bear country. Avoid endangering yourself and others by following these simple guidelines.
Carry bear spray within easy reach OUTSIDE of your pack. Bear spray has been shown to be a more effective defense against aggressive bear behavior than firearms.
Make yourself heard. Clap, sing, or talk so that bears know you are there.
Look for signs of recent bear activity, such as overturned rocks, torn-apart stumps, claw marks on trees, or bear scat.
Keep a clean camp.
Set up cooking, eating and cleaning areas at least 200 feet from your sleeping area.
Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, food odors, and beverages.
Plan meals to avoid leftovers. If there are leftovers do not bury them, pack them out!

OTHER REGULATIONS

To protect natural resources and the wilderness experience please follow these regulations within the Wilderness of all visitors:
All food must be stored in compliance with the Food Storage Order (see details above).
Motorized equipment or mechanized transportation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: bicycles, game carts, chainsaws, and snowmobiles.
Caching of equipment or supplies is prohibited.
Do not cut or damage trees. Do not deface or steal trail signs.
Building any structure or improvement is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: trails, hitching rails, furniture, and shelters.
Please help us protect the
Mission Mountains Wilderness
RESPECT RESTRICTIONS.

HUNTING AND FISHING

STORAGE OF GAME MEAT AND FISH
Game meat and fish must be stored in a bear-resistant manner.
State Fish and Game permits and limits apply.
Shooting is prohibited across trails, and near campsites.

Flathead

NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM