Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Commercial Tour Operators Information

Special Use Permit Requirements for Van, Bus, or Bicycle Tours
North Dakota, Montana and Idaho

In response to the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the number of tour companies offering guided tours along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is expected to increase.  There are several significant Lewis and Cark sites on the Lewis and Clark Trail route that traverse lands administered by the USDA Forest Service.  

The Forest Service requires commercial tour operators who charge a fee for their services to obtain a special use permit and pay an appropriate fee for that use. 

If your tour includes visiting National Forest sites, you will need to obtain a special use permit. 

If the visits are simply short-stops at Forest Service facilities along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, you may obtain your permit through the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls, MT. (406) 727-8733 or

www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic.htm

If your tour includes extended side trips, such as hikes or horseback rides, you will need to contact the affected forest to obtain specific authorization for that area.

If the following places (from east to west on the trail) are on your tour itinerary, you may need a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service

North Dakota

Tobacco Gardens

Little Missouri National Grassland

Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

McKenzie Ranger District; North Dakota

Montana

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center

Lewis and Clark National Forest, Great Falls, MT.

Gates of the Mountains

Helena National Forest: Helena RD

Lewis and Clark Pass, Lewis’ Return Route

Helena National Forest, Lincoln RD

Gibbon’s Pass: Clark’s Return Route

Bitterroot National Forest,  Sula RD

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,

Wisdom RD

Montana-Idaho

Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark

Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF, Dillon RD

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Leadore Ranger District

Bureau of Land Management-Salmon River

Idaho

North Fork Salmon to Lost Trail Pass

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Bureau of Land Management

Salmon Field Office-

Idaho-Montana

Lost Trail Pass - South Bitterroot Valley

Salmon-Challis National Forest, North Fork RD.

Bitterroot National Forest, Sula RD

The Lolo Trail in Montana

Lolo National Forest, Missoula RD

Idaho

Lolo Pass Visitor Center and Rest Area

Clearwater National Forest, Lochsa RD

The Lolo Trail In Idaho and Sites on US Highway 12

Clearwater National Forest, Lochsa RD

Historic Fenn Ranger Station

Selway Wild and Scenic River

Nez Perce National Forest, Moose Creek RD