Missoula, Mont., July 3, 2024— The Fourth of July holiday is a great time of year to head outside with friends and family to enjoy the forest. While enjoying your time outside, please recreate responsibly, and to ensure the safety of your friends and family, here are some reminders and tips for this Fourth of July.

Expected road and campground closures: 

Rock Creek Road – Construction has begun on the upper end of Rock Creek Road and visitors can expect long delays during the weekdays between Monday at 6 a.m. and Friday at 4 p.m. Over the week of the Fourth of July, work will not be taking place on Thursday or Friday. As a reminder, practice safe driving on Forest Roads, especially those under construction. Rock Creek Road is narrow in a lot of places, and we want everyone to remain safe. Please follow posted speed limit signs, obey flaggers or temporary traffic flow lights, and exercise increased caution when driving in the area this summer.

Little Joe Road – The Little Joe Road, Forest Road 282, will be closed beginning July 8 from its junction with South Fork Little Joe Road, Forest Road 221, to its junction with Two Mile Road, Forest Road 431. If you’re traveling in the area before July 8, please use caution as heavy truck traffic will be present laying gravel through July 3, and delays can be expected but work will not be taking place on Thursday and Friday.

Seeley Lake Campground – The Seeley Lake Campground will be closed during the Fourth of July weekend due to ongoing work and not open until mid-July. Please check the Lolo National Forest website for more information. 

Bighorn Campground – The Bighorn Campground on the Missoula Ranger District is closed for ongoing work until July 22. 

Exercise caution with campfires: 

Remember to never leave a campfire unattended and make sure your coals are cool to the touch before you leave. Fire danger remains MODERATE across the Lolo National Forest, and we are entering a hot/dry trend through the rest of the week. To date this season, firefighters have responded to 16 wildfires: 15 human-caused wildfires and one lightning-caused wildfire. With hot temperatures and drier conditions in the forecast, it is important to remain cautious and vigilant with campfires. If you are out recreating and see smoke, please report it to nearby authorities or by calling 9-1-1.

Fireworks are prohibited on National Forests year-round: 

No fireworks of any kind may be discharged anywhere within the Lolo National Forest, at any time.

Camping and rentals:  

New for this year, the pavilion at the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area is available to reserve at www.recreation.gov. Camping and rentals are also open for reservations at www.recreation.gov.

Food storage: 

The Lolo National Forest is in bear country. Please remain bear aware and properly store your food. Food, carcasses, and attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant container or stored in a bear-resistant manner if they are unattended. In the front country (most of the Forest), these same items must also be properly stored in camp at night, unless they are being consumed, prepared for transport or storage.

Know before you go: 

Check in with the local Ranger Station for an update on current conditions. Be prepared for changing weather and remain cautious around flowing waters, especially at creek crossings.

Be a good steward: 

Practice stewardship and Leave No Trace. Pack out garbage, be considerate of other visitors, and give wildlife plenty of space.

For more information about the Lolo National Forest, please visit the website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo or follow updates on Facebook and X.