Better Navigation with US Forest Service Maps in Montana

After many years of camping in public areas, specifically in the Highwood Mountains to the east of Great Falls, Montana, my wife and I (and our pets) had reached our limit.  The last straw was the motorbike through our campsite and fire pit.

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Enough was enough.  So, I summoned the courage to ask my parents for a small area on the family homestead to place our camper and enjoy the weekend without intrusion.  And after finding the perfect spot, I had to have something specific for our camper.

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Something that was useful, a conversation starter, and represented where I am honestly the most comfortable, happy and safe, a map from the Montana Office of the US Forest Service.

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Better Navigation with US Forest Service Maps in Montana

If you have spent time in the Montana backcountry, you are probably aware of the common green topographical map.  The "Wilderness" maps are more specialized maps that offer detailed information on areas for hikers and "anyone venturing into these remote, undeveloped public lands where nature still calls the shots and motorized access is restricted".

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If you are recreating or camping in a specific US Forest, the "Forest Visitor" maps offer more specific detailed information on forests and grasslands across the state.

The map features "recreational sites, such as campgrounds, trails and scenic areas, roads, forest boundaries and public/private land distinctions, and legends and symbols for easy navigation".  The best part of these maps is they are printed with tear resistant and waterproof synthetic paper for many uses over the years.

Other Options of Maps That are Available with the Montana Forest Service

"National Forest Atlases" are available across the state where US Forest Service maps are sold.  These professionally produced maps feature a "full-color printed atlas containing 8.5-inch by 11-inch topographic quadrangle maps scaled at 1 inch to 1 mile".

The US Forest Service also offers online maps for recreationists to use.  These maps are downloadable in several different variations and are free for the public to use.  Learn more about the interactive maps and others at the USFS website here.