Bob Marshall Wilderness · Flathead National Forest · Montana
Air Quality Alert
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
In effect for Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders counties until 9:00 AM Aug 3, 2026. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke.
Health Advisory
Flathead National Forest · Press Release
The Flathead National Forest is issuing a trail closure for public and firefighter safety in the Silvertip Fire area in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Seven trails are closed including the Silvertip Trail (Trail 89) in its entirety, Spotted Bear River Trail (Trail 83), and West Fork Wall Creek Trail (Trail 229).
Montana DNRC Interactive Fire Map · via NBC Montana
The Silvertip Fire has grown to 6,029 acres with zero containment. Officials believe the fire has remained primarily within the upper half to two-thirds of the Slim Creek drainage. The lightning-caused fire continues burning in heavy timber on steep slopes with standing dead and downed trees.
Discover the Flathead · Incident Report
A flight over the Silvertip Fire mapped the fire at 4,688 acres. The majority of fire activity is on the northeast side as it continues moving into Slim Creek, primarily within the 1994 Slim Ridge Fire footprint. Additional growth is occurring in the Silvertip Creek drainage with fire activity on both sides of the creek.
Flathead Beacon
The Silvertip Fire is actively burning 4,136 acres after lightning ignited the blaze on Friday. Fuels are burning on both sides of Silvertip Creek, with most growth occurring to the south toward Silvertip Mountain and spotting to the east toward Ibex Mountain. Responders are applying an indirect confinement strategy and providing point protection at Pentagon Cabin.
NBC Montana
A lightning strike sparked the Silvertip Fire in the Spotted Bear Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest, burning 4,142 acres. The fire is located about 15 miles southeast of the Spotted Bear Ranger Station near Silvertip Mountain. The blaze is burning in heavy timber on steep slopes, with standing dead trees and downed timber in the area.
Montana DEQ · via National Weather Service
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders, and surrounding counties in effect until 9:00 AM August 3, 2026. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke. Particulate levels in Libby are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Most other stations in the region are Moderate.
Closed from Spotted Bear River to its junction with Trail 584 (Harrison Creek Trail).
Closed from Corporal Creek Trail 88 to its junction with Trail 103 and Trail 89.
Closed from its junction with Trail 524 to its junction with Trails 89 and 584.
Closed in its entirety. Silvertip Cabin reservations cancelled starting August 2 for the remainder of the rental season.
Closed from Silvertip Trail 89 to Wall Creek Trail 90.
Closed from Trail 83 to its junction with Trail 229.
Closed in its entirety.