Custer National Forest

Custer National Forest spans over 700,000 acres across Montana as a multiple-use public land managed by the Forest Service. The forest offers a full range of outdoor pursuits: hiking and backpacking on established trails, dispersed camping throughout the backcountry, fishing in streams and lakes, scenic driving routes, and hunting during designated seasons. The landscape varies from forested valleys to open ridges, with access points scattered across the region. Summer and early fall are the prime seasons for most activities, when trails are snow-free and weather is stable. Winter transforms the forest into a snowy environment suited to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though many backcountry routes become difficult or impassable. Spring and late fall offer shoulder-season options for those prepared for variable conditions. Road access is generally reliable during the warmer months, though some forest roads may require high-clearance vehicles or close seasonally due to snow.