Idaho Panhandle National Forests | |
---|---|
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)
|
|
Revett Lake in Idaho Panhandle National Forest
|
|
Location | Idaho-Montana-Washington, United States |
Nearest city | Spokane, WA |
Coordinates | 47°43′N 116°13′W / 47.717°N 116.217°WCoordinates: 47°43′N 116°13′W / 47.717°N 116.217°W |
Area | 3,220,000 acres (13,000 km2) |
Established | 1912 |
Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
Website | Idaho Panhandle National Forests |
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 13,050.06 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.
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.