The forest lies primarily in Flathead County, south of Glacier National Park.

In descending order of land area they are Powell, Missoula, Lake, Lewis and Clark, and Lincoln counties.

This includes bald eagle, wolverine, beaver, elk, porcupine, cougar, moose, bobcat, white-tailed deer, coyote, grizzly bear, timber wolf, two species of fox, mountain goat, Canadian lynx, woodchuck, bighorn sheep and bull trout.

Commercial activities in the non-wilderness sections of the forest include timber harvesting, two downhill ski resorts and a small amount of cattle grazing.

Larger amounts of berries, firewood and Christmas tree cutting, and mushroom or mineral gathering in wilderness areas require permits.