Forest Road North of Sandpoint Reopens After Flood Damage

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests announced the reopening of a key forest road that was impacted by December flooding.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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One of the Forest Service roads in North Idaho that was damaged by flooding in December is now drivable again. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests announced on social media that Forest Service Road 231 in the Pack River drainage north of Sandpoint has been cleared of debris and is now open to the public.

Why it matters

The reopening of this forest road is important for providing access to recreational areas and allowing the U.S. Forest Service to maintain and monitor the national forest lands in this region of North Idaho, which experienced significant flood damage late last year.

The details

Forest Service Road 231 in the Pack River drainage north of Sandpoint was heavily impacted by flooding in December, with debris and damage making the road impassable. The Idaho Panhandle National Forests crews have now cleared the road of debris, allowing it to be reopened for public use.

  • The flooding that damaged the road occurred in December 2025.
  • The road has now been reopened as of March 10, 2026.

The players

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

The national forest system managed by the U.S. Forest Service in northern Idaho.

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The takeaway

The reopening of this key forest road demonstrates the ongoing efforts by the U.S. Forest Service to restore access and infrastructure in areas impacted by natural disasters like the December 2025 flooding in North Idaho.