Rules & Regulations

Camping, Safety & Field Operations Guidelines

To protect the land, ensure safety, and promote enjoyable stays within the Oregon Gulch Project area (Cedar Creek Mining District, Mineral County, Montana), all visitors and crews must comply with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) regulations and Oregon Gulch Exploration’s camping and field operations guidelines.

These rules apply throughout the Oregon Gulch, Bonanza Gulch, Missoula Gulch, Missoula Lake, Hard Times, Wild Rose, Southern Cross, Grub Stake, and Rainbow’s End claims, as well as associated access routes and campgrounds.

⚖️ U.S. Forest Service Camping Rules (Lolo National Forest)

• Length of Stay: Limit of 16 consecutive days per site within any 30-day period. Must relocate at least 5 air miles after that time.

• Camp Setup: Use existing clearings or dispersed campsites. Do not cut trees or disturb vegetation.

• Vehicle Parking: Keep vehicles within 30 feet of established roads or trails; avoid soft meadows and streambanks.

• Fires: Permitted only when no fire restrictions are in effect. Fires must be in existing fire rings or rock circles, never under low branches or near dry grass.

• Fire Size & Control: Keep fires small (≤ 3 ft diameter). Never leave unattended. Drown, stir, and feel—fire must be cold to the touch before leaving.

• Fire Equipment Required: Every camp must have a shovel, axe or Pulaski, and a minimum of 5 gallons of water or a charged fire extinguisher on site.

• Fuel Storage: Use approved, labeled containers. Store fuel 100 ft from streams and campfires, refuel on level ground with a drip pan beneath.

• Waste & Garbage: Pack it in, pack it out. No trash left behind. All refuse must be taken to a USFS approved disposal points in Superior or St. Regis.

• Human Waste: Use portable toilets or dig catholes 6–8 inches deep, at least 200 ft from any water source.

• Noise & Conduct: Quiet hours 10 p.m.–6 a.m. No intoxicated or disorderly behavior. Absolutely no fireworks at any time.

🐾 Wildlife Awareness & Safety

This is prime Rocky Mountain wilderness—home to diverse wildlife, including:

🟢 Black Bear 🟤 Grizzly Bear 🦌 Elk 🦫 Deer 🐺 Wolf

🐾 Cougar (Mountain Lion) 🦦 Mink 🦝 Wolverine 🫎 Moose

Important Guidelines:

• Keep all food, garbage, and scented items in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles.

• Never leave pet food, coolers, or trash bags unattended—especially overnight.

• Feeding or approaching wildlife is strictly prohibited.

• Camp areas must be spotless when vacated—no litter, no leftover food, and no buried waste.

• Any evidence of feeding wildlife may result in loss of camping privileges.

• Report aggressive or nuisance animal encounters to the USFS Superior Ranger District immediately.

🔥 Fire Safety & Prevention

Montana’s forest lands are highly fire-sensitive in summer. Everyone is responsible for fire prevention.

Required On Site:

• One shovel and 5 gallons of water (minimum) per active fire.

• Axe or Pulaski for clearing flammable material.

• Clear all vegetation and flammables within 10 feet of fire pits.

• Use spark arrestors on generators, chainsaws, or ATVs.

• Never burn plastic, foil, or trash.

• Extinguish fires completely before sleeping or leaving camp.

Violation of Forest Service fire regulations can result in immediate removal and fines.

🚍 Local Campgrounds & Lodging

Cedar Creek Dispersed Sites (USFS)

Free primitive camping along Cedar Creek Road #320 near claims. No hookups, 16-day limit.

Oregon Gulch Flats (Field Camp)

Level basecamp area near Hard Times #4 claim; ideal for exploration staging.

Quartz Flat Campground (Exit 45 – I-90)

Paved access, restrooms, potable water; managed by USFS.

Sloway Campground (Exit 37 – St. Regis)

Riverside primitive sites, vault toilets, small rigs/tents only.

Nugget RV Park & Resort – St. Regis, MT

☎ (406) 649-2122

Full hookups, 30/50 amp power, Wi-Fi, long pull-throughs for fifth-wheels and motorhomes.

🧭 Field Safety & Preparedness

• Cell coverage is limited/.

• Medical attention is not immediately available. The nearest trauma hospital is Mineral Community Hospital in Superior, MT (≈ 20 miles).

• First aid kits and fire tools must be accessible at every camp.

• It is strongly recommended (though not mandatory) that all personnel carry a personal survival kit—including water, thermal blanket, flashlight, whistle, knife, and first-aid supplies.

• Plan exit routes in advance; heavy rain or snow can block forest roads without notice.

• Inform a contact of your daily travel plans and estimated return time.

🌄 Stewardship & Respect

Your cooperation ensures that the Oregon Gulch Project remains an exemplary model of responsible mineral development within the Lolo National Forest.

By following these guidelines, each visitor helps preserve the pristine waters of Cedar Creek, the surrounding wildlife habitat, and Montana’s mining heritage.