Kootenai River
Beginning in British Columbia's Kootenay National Park in Canada, the Kootenai River flows 485 miles into northwest Montana and through the towns of Libby and Troy. The River continues on its path into northern Idaho and then back into Canada and into Kootenay Lake. At the end of its twists and turns, the Kootenai River joins with the Columbia River. more info
If you are interested in fishing, you will be happy to know that the Kootenai River has a large population of cutthroat trout, bull trout, Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, as well as others. You can also find white sturgeon in the river below Kootenai Falls. The completion of Libby Dam in 1972 changed the water ecosystem and created conditions in which some species of fish actually thrive. This River and some of its tributaries are the only waters in Montana where you can find a native strain of rainbow trout known as the Columbia River Redbands. The Columbia River Redbands are only indigenous to the head-waters of the Columbia River which includes the Kootenai.
The River is controlled by Libby Dam which forms the 85 mile long Lake Koocanusa. The Kootenai River provides opportunities for viewing eagles, osprey, deer and mountain sheep. There are three islands which are located approximately 2.5 miles down the river from the town of Libby. These islands are used by ducks and geese during their migrations.
Also downstream from Libby, the River enters a small canyon and flows over Kootenai Falls. Kootenai Falls is known as one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest. This area is considered a sacred area to the Kootenai Indians whose ancestors once lived in this region. There is a picnic area and viewpoint located near the Falls. A forest trail also leads from the highway parking lot to a swinging bridge. This makes a nice hike which is not too strenuous. Kootenai Falls was the setting for the filming of the movie, "River Wild".
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