Kootenai Falls is the largest undammed falls in the state of Montana. Located between Libby and Troy, the falls can be reached via a short (half mile) hike from a parking area located on Highway 2. Picnic areas and rest rooms are available near the parking area. The area has no guide rails or paved paths next to the river, giving visitors a natural view of the falls. The amount of water coming over the falls varies depending on runoff and the amount of water released by Libby Dam, 23 miles upstream. 

Kayakers frequent the area around and just under the falls. According to Paddler Magazine, the "SuperHole" just under the falls offers a "smooth diagonal wave feeding into a 10-foot-wide, five-foot-high foam pile, to a 60-foot-wide, 10-foot-high monstrosity" depending on flow. Visit Paddler Magazine's online article "The Nation's Top Playspots" (SuperHole is the last spot featured on this page) for more on this great kayak opportunity. Call Libby Dam at (406) 293-3421 for information on cfs on Kootenai Falls and other areas of the Kootenai River in Montana. 

Just downstream from Kootenai Falls, accessible from the same parking area and path, is the swinging bridge. Featured in the movie The River Wild, the swinging bridge crosses the Kootenai and connects to other hiking paths. Adventurous visitors cross the bridge to get better views of the falls. Kayakers cross to gain access to the SuperHole and other river access points.

How to Get There

From Troy, travel east on Highway 2 to mile marker 21. Signs for Kootenai Falls are posted and a parking area is available right off the highway. A half mile trail leads to the falls and a slightly longer hike takes you to the swinging bridge. Both can be reached by the main path starting at the parking area.