Big Sky Country has much to offer the outdoorsman, including the more than 94,000 acres of the Stillwater State Forest. Located in the northwest corner of Montana, the Stillwater is home to moose, elk, ruffed grouse and some of the finest archery deer opportunities in the wide-open West.
Once You're There
"Stillwater State Forest is located northwest of Whitefish, between the Flathead and Kootenai national forests," said Nicole Stickney, for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Park special uses forester. "The topography varies from visually stunning high, alpine peaks to lower-elevated meadows and marshes, with lots of variation in between. The forest lies in a snowbelt, so expect snow in the high country as early as September."
Situated just to the west of Glacier National Park, Stillwater runs in a southeast-to-northwest configuration, roughly from the twin cities of Whitefish and Columbia Falls northward to the small town of Stryker. While much of the forest is bounded on the west by Highway 93, a maintained forest road--Upper Whitefish Lake Road--courses along the eastern edge.
"Year-round recreational use occurs near the communities of Whitefish, Olney and Stryker," said Stickney. "Twenty-five lakes, ranging in size from eight to 300 acres, provide a fishery resource that encourages summer activities forestwide. Most lakes are readily accessible to the public, though the campgrounds are not thoroughly maintained." In case anyone new to Big Sky Country was curious, Stillwater isn't your typical Midwest city park. "Wild" is the word Stickney used to describe the region. "This is not a designated wilderness area," she said. "However, Stillwater State Forest is the largest continuous state forest in Montana."
Archers will find both whitetails and mulies on the forest, an area classified by the department as District 110.
Where to start on 94,000 acres? Young clear-cuts and areas replanted following logging operations provide a great jump-off point for archers, particularly spot-and-stalkers who enjoy hunting on their feet.
"Usually anywhere between three to five active timber sales are ongoing at any given time," said Stickney. "Fall, along with summer and winter, is an active period for logging operations."
As such and from a personal safety and liability standpoint, hunters are cautioned to avoid active operations.
Speaking of safety, Stickney does say the forest harbors both black and grizzly bears, a note that relegates chainsaws and heavy equipment to second place in terms of personal caution.
Access Options
The agency maintains two campgrounds on the forest--The Upper Whitefish Lake Area and the Spring Creek Area. Both limit campers to fourteen days.
Day travel by horseback is permitted within state forest.
Large portions of the northern part of the forest are unroaded. This section is served by two mainlines (Mt. Marston and Fitzsimmonds Creek roads). The area north of the town of Olney is an official road, but many roads are gated or otherwise off-limits to motorized traffic.
Information:
Montana Dept. Fish, Wildlife & Parks: Region 1 Office, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901; (406) 752-5501; fwp.mt.gov
Stillwater State Forest: P.O. Box 164, Olney, MT 59927;
(406) 881-2371
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