Helena National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Helena National Forest offers a breathtaking escape into nature for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Located in the state of Montana in the United States, this vast expanse of wilderness spans over 983,000 acres and is a haven for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with towering pine trees, crystal-clear streams, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore over 1,800 miles of trails that wind through the forest, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Whether you're an experienced hiker looking for a challenging trek or a casual nature lover seeking a leisurely walk, Helena National Forest has something to offer for everyone.

For those interested in camping, the forest offers a variety of campgrounds and backcountry camping opportunities. Whether you prefer a developed campground with amenities or a secluded spot in the wilderness, you'll find the perfect place to pitch your tent and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest.

In addition to hiking and camping, Helena National Forest is a paradise for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and countless bird species, making it a prime destination for nature photography and wildlife observation.

Alternative names: Elevation: 4094 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°34'60"N, 111°58'19"W

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MontanaUnited States

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Helena National Forest Top Attractions

Helena National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Helena National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mann Gulch, Big Belt Mountains, Eagle Guard Station, Crow Creek Water Ditch. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Canyon
Mann Gulch
Mann Gulch is a gulch in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness of the upper Missouri River, 24 miles north-northeast of Helena, Montana, in southeastern Lewis and Clark County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Big Belt Mountains
The Big Belt Mountains are a section of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. state of Montana. Situated mainly in the Helena National Forest, the mountains are used for logging and recreation for the surrounding residents.
46°19'15"N • 111°42'25"W
Eagle Guard Station
The Eagle Guard Station is a site on the National Register of Historic Places located about 11 miles west of Townsend, Montana. It was added to the Register on September 20, 2001. Eagle Creek Ranger Station was originally built by Richard Owen and Jack Wilson in 1895.

Day trips

Helena National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Helena National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Montana State Capitol (Helena), Cathedral of Saint Helena (Helena), World Museum of Mining (Butte).

2.2 miW
Government center with tours and a museum
Montana State Capitol, Helena
The Montana State Capitol is the state capitol of the U.S. state of Montana that houses the Montana State Legislature which is located in the state capital of Helena at 1301 East Sixth Avenue.
3 miW
Grand, historic neo-Gothic church
Cathedral of Saint Helena, Helena
The Cathedral of Saint Helena is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana. Modeled by architect A.O. Von Herbulis after the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria, the construction began on the cathedral in 1908, and held its first mass in November 1914.
49 milesSW
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
World Museum of Mining, Butte
The World Museum of Mining is a museum and memorial in Butte, Montana. Chartered in 1964 as a non-profit educational corporation, the Museum first opened its doors in July 1965.
24 milesN
National park
Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area
Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area is a non-motorized recreation area located on the west side of the Missouri River and Holter Lake located about 30 miles north of Helena, Montana.
48 milesSW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Copper King Mansion, Butte
The Copper King Mansion, also known as the W. A. Clark Mansion, is a 34-room residence of Romanesque Revival Victorian architecture that was built from 1884 to 1888 as the Butte, Montana, residence of William Andrews Clark, one of Montana's three famous Copper Kings.