Snowmobile Map
Winter recreation map for snowmobiling and X-C skiing in northwest Montana on the Kootenai National Forest.
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Snowmobiling season is almost here
Miles of groomed trails available near Libby
January 1, 2005
There are just over 8,000 miles of snowmobile trails in the state of Montana, half of them groomed thanks to local snowmobile clubs. Montana’s snowmobile trails attract some 50,000 nonresidents snowmobilers to the state each year. Over 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails are available to snowmachining enthusiasts near Libby. Local Snowmobile Clubs are the Lincoln County Sno-Kats in Libby and the Ten Lakes Snowmobile Club in Fortine.
The snowmobiling season is typically from mid-December to April, depending on snowfall fluctuations and location. Snow conditions are powdery early in the season, with hardpack developing as the season progresses. Temperatures vary widely, but generally average in the 20s to 30s range. Below zero temperatures are not uncommon, so dress in layers for maximum warmth. Snow depths range from one to three feet at lower elevations to 15 feet in the higher mountains.
Below are designated snowmobiling areas and trails on the Kootenai National Forest not far from Libby:
Baldy, Lawrence and Big Creek: 35 miles of marked, groomed trails. Parking available for 10 vehicles. 21 miles north of Libby/50 miles south of Eureka.
East Fork Pipe Creek: 30 miles of marked, groomed trails 21 miles north of Libby. Parking available for 10 vehicles.
Grave Creek: 36 miles of marked, groomed trails 16 miles southeast of Eureka. Parking available for 25 vehicles.
Keeler/Rattle: 6 miles of marked, groomed trails 12 miles south of Troy. Parking available for 10 vehicles.
Pete Creek: 16 miles of marked, groomed trails 32 miles north of Troy. Parking available for 10 vehicles.
Quartz Creek: 30 miles of marked, groomed trails 6 miles northwest of Libby or 19 miles north of Libby on Pipe Creek Road/Loon Lake road junction. Limited parking along road at southern access. Parking for 10 cars at north end of trail on Pipe Creek at junction of Roads 68 (Pipe Creek) and 471 (Loon Lake).
Spread Creek: 13 miles of marked, groomed trails 25 miles north of Troy. Parking available for 6 vehicles.
Those who bring their own snowmobiles into the state are now required to purchase a $15 nonresident temporary use permit to assist in the cost of grooming and maintaining Montana's snowmobile trails.
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