Libby, Montana, is tucked into the Kootenai River Valley at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range in Montana’s northwest corner. Lush forestland, breathtaking mountain peaks and glistening waters provide an epic setting for this charming community.
The scenic Kootenai River rushes through forested valleys and narrow gorges right into town via Lake Koocanusa, a 90-mile-long reservoir formed by the construction of the Libby Dam—another sight to behold. West of town, the river dazzles at Kootenai Falls, the largest free-flowing waterfall in Montana. For a picture-perfect sight, head to the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge. Or, film among giants at the nearby Ross Creek Cedar Grove, featuring 1,000-year-old cedar trees reaching up to 8 feet in diameter, rivaling California’s giant sequoias.
Surrounded by the public lands of the Kootenai National Forest, Libby offers pristine lake, river and mountain settings unencumbered by crowds. About 45 miles southeast of Libby, you’ll find Logan State Park and Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park—both offering excellent opportunities for filming around picturesque lakes, serene forests and abundant wildlife.
For a glimpse into the area’s past, visit the Heritage Museum in Libby, which showcases the region’s rich history, including its logging roots, mining heritage and local culture.
At nearby Turner Mountain Ski Area you can rent the entire mountain out by the day. You’ll also find an Amtrak station here for the Empire Builder, a public-use airport, fire tower lookouts, a ranger station, and a rich history of logging. Known as the “City of Eagles,” Libby also features several eagle sculptures, including three 60-foot eagles at each end of town and one perched at the edge of Libby’s historic downtown. Libby’s charm and close proximity to the Canadian border as well as Whitefish and Kalispell make it an idyllic setting.
3,097 (2022)
2,096’
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Average High | 33 | 39 | 49 | 59 | 69 | 76 | 88 | 85 | 73 | 56 | 40 | 32 |
Average Low | 21 | 23 | 28 | 32 | 39 | 46 | 50 | 48 | 41 | 33 | 28 | 21 |
Libby offers a wide array of accommodations, including bed & breakfasts, motels, lodges, resorts, vacation homes and RV parks. Click here for options.
Movies: The Revenant, Always, Devil’s Pond, The River Wild
Television: Hotel Impossible, Siberian Cut
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