Forest Service encourages safe trail, road use
U.S. Forest Service staff encourage safe and careful use of trails and roadways in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, as quick spring thaws cause seasonal hazards.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service
As warmer weather arrives and conditions thaw at higher elevations, the U.S. Forest Service would like to remind drivers about spring driving hazards. Below are some best practices when navigating roads and trails in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Road conditions
Excessive snowmelt causes road shoulders to be soft and unstable. Please avoid driving on soft roads and be aware that icy mountain roads can increase the risk of sliding off the road, particularly when passing another vehicle. In addition, driving on soft roadbeds causes rutting and resource damage, which require costly repairs.
Visitors traveling on forest roads are encouraged to be mindful of changing conditions and snow at higher elevations. As the snow continues to melt and spring rains create soft trail and road surfaces, it is important to be on the lookout for flood and landslide damage.
Report any new road or trail damage to a local Ranger Station.
Motor vehicle use maps
All visitors are advised to have a copy of the motor vehicle use map when navigating the National Forest.
The use maps displays National Forest System roads and trails designated as open to motorized travel. The maps depicts seasonal closures and displays allowed uses by vehicle class. For example, highway-legal vehicle, vehicles 50-inches or less, and motorcycles.
Driving off designated roads and trails is prohibited on National Forests.
Use maps are free and paper copies are available at local Forest Service offices. You can download them to a smart device through the Avenza Maps app or from the IPNF website: fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/maps-pubs.
Temporary closures can be found at fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices.
Tips when driving on forest roads
• Avoid streams, lakeshores, meadows, muddy roads and trails, steep hillsides and wildlife.
• Drive responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy vehicle travel on National Forest System lands.
• Leave headlights on while driving National Forest roads and trails so others can see you easily.
• Slow down! Speed limits normally aren't posted on Forest roads.
• Drive defensively and expect to see other traffic.
• Be aware of your surroundings: road width, surface, sight distance, possible turnouts, etc.
• When stopping for any activity, like berry picking, photography, or wildlife viewing, pull completely off the road into a safe area.
• Stay off the edges of the roads.
• If drowsy, pull off the road, get out, walk around.
• Allow enough time to make your trip. Making up time on the road is dangerous!
• Report potential hazards if possible.
• Don't swerve for animals.
• Don't eat or drink while driving.
• Use lower gears going downhill to save your brakes and cool your engine.
The U.S. Forest Service encourages participation and cooperation while operating a motor vehicle on the road systems of the shared public lands.