Kootenai Falls And Swinging Bridge MT; A Treasure Trove of Beauty

Looking for a less touristy, really scenic, Montana adventure?  Try a trip to the Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge.

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Where is Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge?

From USDA  and the Forest Service,  to start your short hike, go 12 miles west of Libby and 6 miles east of Troy on US Hwy 2, the parking area is on the north side of the highway at the 21 mile marker.

How Far is the Hike to Swinging Bridge?

From the parking lot, it's just about a half mile hike.  It's rated as pretty easy up to the overlook.  Afterwards, the trail is more rocky and uneven making the hike a bit more of a challenge.

You'll run across train tracks on your hike, there's even a train tunnel.  Keep in mind that these tracks are active, but also know Montana and the Forest Service have taken every precaution to assure your safety.

History of the Swinging Bridge

When you travel to see and walk the Swinging Bridge, you will NOT be on the original bridge.

Originally, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the bridge in 1937 to give fire fighters better access.  That bridge was ruined by flooding in 1948.  In the 1950's, the bridge was built again, this time on concrete towers.  Then in 1993, the bridge was reconstructed on the existing cables and supports.

Due to the popularity of this "hidden treasure", the bridge was being used more than was ever imagined it would.  The Forest Service decided that to insure public safety, another reconstruction would need to be done.  That was in 2018.