Smeads Bench (FR 2706) in MT -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Montana
Smeads Bench (FR 2706) in MT
A 9.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Sanders County, MT. The road serves Loveland Peak. The road is open seasonally, December 2 to August 31.
Kootenai National Forest, Cabinet Ranger District records no overnight restriction here.
All 9.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (9.2 miles). Climbs 3,100 ft over 9.2 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 33%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 13 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Loveland Peak stands 2,517 ft above the site, 1.5 miles southeast. Smeads Creek runs 0.6 mi off. The nearest town, Libby, is 29 mi off.
September normals 48–70°F, 1.7″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Kootenai National Forest, Cabinet Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov