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Northwest Montana
Columbia Falls


Columbia Falls Sign

View of the Swan Range just a few miles south of Columbia Falls along State Route 35 near the junction with Highway 82 to Kalispell. Go Northwest! photo by Jack High. GPS: N 48,13.6168; W 114,9.8914.

Columbia Falls, Montana, best known as the southwestern gateway to Glacier National Park, sits at an elevation of 3,092 feet. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, on the western edge of the Continental Divide, the city is a recreationist’s paradise. Travelers come here to ski, snowboard and snowmobile, although the area is also well known for its golfing, llama-guided hikes and freshwater recreation.

Situated near the three forks of the Flathead rivers, the city affords excellent access to fly fishing and river rafting. The more remote areas of the Middle and South Fork rivers are known for their cutthroat trout, which generally range between 8 and 12 inches in length. Bull trout have been protected since the 1950s and are catch-and-release only. Trails can be steep and some fishermen fly in to reach the best spots.

River rafting includes float-rafting on class I and II stretches and up to class VI in selected areas. The Middle Fork, which d skirts the southwestern border of Glacier National Park is popular for float trips. Outfitters can be found in Columbia Falls and the nearby town of West Glacier.

But enjoyment in the Columbia Falls area isn’t limited to outdoor recreation. Locally based attractions and activities include amusement parks, art and pottery galleries, antique stores and other city entertainment. Accommodation choices span from cabins and cottages, resorts and vacation rentals, to hotels, motels and bed and breakfast inns. Camping and RV parks can be found both in town and throughout the nearby national and state parks.

Columbia Falls lies less than a half-hour’s drive east of Kalispell and approximately two hours south of the Canada-U.S. border, at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 40.

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