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| Home > Montana > Koocanusa |
Koocanusa Sand Dunes and Trail System
Saturday, December 23, 2023
| Other Names | The Dunes, Kootenai National Forest, Rexford Ranger District, Koocanusa Reservoir, Swisher Lake |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This large open play area is located at the far north-eastern part of the scenic Koocanusa Reservoir near the Canadian border. There are several sand dunes and play pits which are only accessible when the water levels are low (generally late March through late June).
The dunes range anywhere from 3 feet to 40 feet tall, and there are also about 20 miles of trails that run along the reservoir and into the woods. Most of the area is open riding except some indian burial grounds which are marked. The original site of the City of Rexford is under the water and when the water recedes, portions of old concrete foundations can be seen. Annual events such as Rendezvous Days are hosted here.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Montana OHV Permit |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | A non-resident temporary registration sticker is required. (As of March 2020, Montana no longer honors stickers from any other states.) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 4x4 & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Rule Enforcement |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 1,280 acres (2 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 20 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 2400 to 2500 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Unknown | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  None | |
| Sand |  Mostly | paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience |
| Mud | Little | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | None | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | Many | |
| Large Jumps |  Some | |
| Berms | Many | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits |  All | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | None | |
| Shade | Some | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails, Off-Road Dunes |
| Land | National Forest |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Exxon (406) 297-3127 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Exxon (406) 297-3127 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Rexford Bench Campground (877) 444-6777 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Mariners Haven Campground (406) 297-3252 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Mariners Haven Campground (406) 297-3252 |
| Campground | On Site | Swisher Lake Campground (406) 296-2536 |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Exxon (406) 297-3127 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Eureka, MT | ||
| From: Whitefish, MT
1) Take US-93 North about 50 miles 2) Turn left (west) on SR-37, continue 2.2 miles 3) Veer right (west) onto Douglas Hill Road, continue .5 miles 4) Turn right (north) on Sophie Lake Road, continue 1 mile 5) Veer left (west) on Iowa Flats Road, continue .1 miles 6) Turn right (north) on Sohphie Lake Road, continue about 3.5 miles toward lake (road name changes to Swisher Lake Road). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Kootenai National Forest - Rexford Ranger District 949 Hwy 93 North Eureka, MT 59917 (406) 296-2536 mailroom_r1_kootenai@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
| Contact Info | Montana Fish, Wildlife And Parks 1420 East 6th Avenue Helena, MT 59620-0701 (406) 444-2950 fwpgen@mt.gov fwp.mt.gov |
| Comment | Montana OHV Permit Info |
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Koocanusa OHV Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/8/2013 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS