Columbia Falls, MT

Columbia Falls, Montana, nestled in the northwest corner of the Flathead Valley, is just northeast of Kalispell and 17 miles west of Glacier National Park on U.S. Highway 2. It is called "The Gateway to Glacier" as it is the last major town on Highway 2 before Glacier National Park from the West. It is also the beginning of the North Fork Road (County Road 486) which is a rustic and scenic alternative route to Glacier Park through the Camas Creek entrance. The road follows along the North Fork of the Flathead River, which serves the Western boundary of the park and has been designated a Wild and Scenic River. The North Fork Road extends 69 miles to Canada and offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and snowmobiling in the beautiful wilderness on the way. Along the North Fork Road is the town of Polebridge, a tiny community that has chosen to remain unserved by electricity or paved roads.

Ten miles east of Columbia Falls, MT is the town of Hungry Horse and the Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir, which offers excellent fishing, boating, camping, water skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and hunting. Completed in 1953, Hungry Horse Dam is Montana’s highest and the eleventh largest concrete dam. Tours of the dam are given during the summer season.

With its close proximity to the Flathead River, the city serves as a starting point for rafting trips, fishing trips, and other water adventures. With over 225 miles of river to choose from there is something for everyone. In July, the town hosts Heritage Days, with a rodeo, parade, street dance, craft fair, car show, basketball tournament, and 5K and 10K runs. Other summertime activities include golf at the 18-hole Meadow Lake Golf Resort, outdoor concerts, a water park, miniature golf, hiking on Columbia Mountain, biking and more. The City of Columbia Falls, Montana maintains approximately 28 acres of park land, with baseball and soccer fields, picnic areas and playgrounds and a waterfall and bandshell. The City also operates the Pinewood Family Aquatic Center, a 25 meter competitive swimming pool and a leisure pool.

Wintertime activities include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on more than 200 miles of groomed trails and nearly 2,000 miles of National Forest Service roads that extend through pristine alpine forests, along ridges with spectacular views and into deep powder bowls. The city is just minutes away from two major downhill ski resorts, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain.

The population is about 4,180, and residents pride themselves on maintaining its small town and family-oriented character. CF is home to a variety of industrial businesses, including CF Aluminum Company, Plum Creek and Stoltz Land and Lumber. For visitors, it provides dining and accommodations with Montana flavor and value.

Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce