The combined national forest was created by the
US Forest Service in 1996 and has a total of 3.3 million acres. Mountains within the ranges found in the national forest are among the highest in Montana. Sacagawea led Lewis and Clark through this area on their trip to the Pacific Ocean. Several wilderness areas maintain the forests in much the same condition as Lewis and Clark found them. Many endangered species find habitat within the forest, including the bald eagle.