Columbia Falls Montana, MT Vacations, Lodging, Information

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Columbia Falls Montana

Columbia Falls, Montana is one gateway to Glacier National Park that is a must-see on your northwestern Montana vacation, surrounded by the Flathead National Forest and tons of recreational opportunities. Read More

  • Columbia Falls, Montana is a gateway to beautiful Glacier National Park
  • Follow the North Fork of the Flathead River into Glacier on County Road 486
  • Take a long trek over Boulder Pass
  • Fish the Flathead River
  • Try river rafting for some real adventure
  • Tour the Hungry Horse Dam

Overview

Columbia Falls, MT is nestled in Flathead Valley only minutes from Glacier National Park and offers many fun things to do, sights to see and plenty of spectacular scenery. Montana hospitality is at its best here. You can take a scenic route into Glacier from Columbia Falls on County Road 486, which follows the North Fork of the Flathead River.

Location

Columbia Falls is located at the junction of US Highway 2 and Highway 40, 15 miles west of Glacier National Park.

Services/Amenities

Whether you wish to dine in a casual setting or experience fine dining, you’ll find what you want in Columbia Falls, Montana. Get old-fashioned burgers and fries, gourmet foods, homemade dishes or pizza. Enjoy Chinese or Mexican selections or compile a creative deli meal. You have a wide choice of dining delights.

Staying in Columbia Falls is a great idea, and the perfect place for a home base for your getaway. You can rent a rustic cabin or cottage, find a luxurious vacation rental or get a quaint bed and breakfast inn.

Activities

  • Hiking
    Experience some wonderful hiking opportunities around this mountain town. You’ll find trails on Columbia Mountain, or you can take daylong or weeklong treks over Boulder Pass or through Glacier National Park. Shorter trips are also available, like an 11.6-mile hike to Akokala Lake that takes you through North Fork Country.
  • Llama Guided Hikes
    Popular in this area, taking a llama 2- to 4-day packing trip can be a unique adventure that will remain in memory for years.
  • Fishing
    Since Columbia Falls is situated close to the three forks of the Flathead River, you’ll find some excellent fly-fishing. Catch some cutthroat trout. You are also very close to some of the best fishing around within Glacier National Park.
  • Canoeing and Rafting
    The rivers around Columbia Falls offer Class I and II runs. River rafting is some wonderful outdoor excitement and gives you the chance to see the area in a new way. Getting an outfitter for your first trip is a wise idea.
  • Camping
    There are a number of camping sites around Columbia Falls as well as 13 campgrounds within Glacier National Park. You will find the one with the amenities that fit your needs.
  • Golfing
    In Columbia Falls, and surrounding areas, you’ll discover some great 18-hole golf courses and can play with the mountain scenery as a backdrop.
  • Winter Sports
    Discover winter in Montana the right way, with more than 80 miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling. You can ski or snowboard at the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. The snowy fun is never ending.

Attractions

  • Glacier National Park
    Glacier-shaped landscapes await you in Glacier National Park, with pristine lakes, gorgeous vistas of snow-capped mountains, and lots of outdoor adventures to fill your days.
  • Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir
    Surrounded by mountains and offering hiking, fishing and much more, the Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir is a spot you must visit when in Columbia Falls. Get a guided tour of the Dam from the Visitor Center.
  • Big Sky Waterslide Park
    The whole family will love these waterslides! Kids will want to wade in the wading pool and attempt the mini-slide for the younger bunch. Take a river ride on an inner tube. Stop for a quick bite at the snack bar and at the end of the day relax in the hot tub.
  • Heritage Days
    On the last weekend in July, enjoy this event with a large rodeo, fun parade and craft fair.

Getting Here

It’s a 20-minute drive to Glacier National Park on US Highway 2.

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