The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are a jointly administered set of three national forests located in the U.S. state of Idaho. Approximately 22.4% of the forest (in the Kaniksu portion) extends into the states of Montana (14.1%) and Washington (8.3%). The IPNF were created in 2000 to administer three separate national forests that continue to manage themselves somewhat separately through district offices. The Coeur d'Alene, St. Joe, and Kaniksu National Forests together occupy 3,224,739-acre (5,038.66 sq mi, or 13,050.06Â km2) in northern Idaho (better known as the Idaho Panhandle). The northernmost portion of the IPNF share a boundary with Canada. Its headquarters are located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Wildlife
Coeur d'Alene River National Recreation Trail Campout - Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho - The Coeur d'Alene River National Recreation Trail is a roughly 15 mile trail that winds along the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene river. I've done most of the trail before back in 2014, and...
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests contain a wide variety of wildlife. White-tailed deer, mule deer, raccoons, elk, grizzly bears, moose, black bears, coyotes, timber wolves, skunks, cougars, marten, beavers, river otters, bobcats, minks, and wolverines are often seen by visitors.
Bird species include ravens, wild turkey, blue jays, California quail, numerous species of grouse, osprey, golden eagle, bald eagle and numerous types of owls. The rivers and lakes in the Panhandle hold some of the best fishing locations in the world.
Wilderness areas
There are two officially designated wilderness areas within Idaho Panhandle National Forests that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Both lie within the Kaniksu National Forest section and extend into neighboring National Forests (as indicated).
- Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (mostly in Kootenai NF)
- Salmo-Priest Wilderness (mostly in Colville NF)
References
Further reading
- Ferguson, D.E. and A.C. Zack. (2006). Establishment record for the Wellner Cliffs Research Natural Area: Priest River Experimental Forest, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Bonner County, Idaho [RMRS General Technical Report GTR-170WWW]. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.
External links
- "Idaho Panhandle National Forests". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2013-01-14.Â
- "Pacific Northwest Trail". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved 2013-11-19.Â
