Find Quiet Adventure in Kootenai Country
Communities: Olney, Stryker, Trego, Fortine, Eureka, Rexford, Libby, Troy, Yaak
Kootenai Country and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness offer big, quiet adventure—from cold, clear lakes to backcountry camping, hiking and horseback riding in some of Western Montana’s most remote terrain. This far-northwest corner of the state is defined by open water, forested mountains and small towns that keep things simple.
Ways to play include renting snowmobiles and ATVs from Northwest Montana Adventure in Olney, backcountry cat skiing with Great Northern Powder Guides, climbing the Stillwater Canyon with Glacier Tourbase, experiencing a sleigh ride or wagon ride with Cripple Creek Horse Ranch in Trego, and visiting the Stonehenge Air Museum in Fortine.
Eureka’s Tobacco Valley Historical Village offers a walk back in time through a collection of restored buildings, including a general store, schoolhouse, library, church, two log cabins, a hand-hewn house, railway depot, caboose and fire tower.
The Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway follows along Lake Koocanusa, with wide water and mountain views. Near Rexford, rent an ATV and explore the Koocanusa Sand Dunes. At the south end of the lake, stop by the Libby Dam and Libby Dam Visitor Center. For a local pint, head to Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co. in downtown Libby. In winter, ski Turner Mountain, one of Montana’s hidden gems.
Near Troy, Kootenai Falls and the historic Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge are a must-see. The falls are the largest undammed in Montana and hold deep cultural significance for the Kootenai Tribe. The swinging bridge presents the perfect photo op. Cross the bridge for river access, or book a guided trip with Dave Blackburn’s Kootenai Angler or Linehan Outfitting Company. In the Yaak, find yourself in one of Montana's quietest and most remote locations.
Highlights: Indian Springs Ranch; Ten Lakes Scenic Area; Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway; Lake Koocanusa; Libby Dam; Kootenai River; Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge; skiing; fishing; biking; golf; disc golf; snowmobiling; historic sites and museums; remote backcountry terrain
Length: 165 miles
Travel time: 3 1/2 hours
