Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge
Kootenai Falls stands as one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest, offering visitors a spectacular natural wonder to behold. As the tranquil river suddenly gains momentum, it surges through China Rapids before plummeting 90 feet over the falls in less than a mile. The main falls itself cascades 30 feet and can be admired from a unique vantage point on a "swinging bridge" that spans the river.
Getting There:
Located conveniently 12 miles west of Libby and 6 miles east of Troy on US Hwy 2, the falls parking area is situated on the north side of the highway at the 21-mile marker.
Facilities:
The Lincoln County Parks Dept. has thoughtfully provided a picnic area adjacent to the falls parking area, complete with picnic tables, barbecue cooking areas, and restroom facilities. Additionally, a concession service operates at the falls parking lot from May through September, offering food services, souvenirs, and visitor information.
The Trail:
The trail to the swinging bridge is approximately half a mile long, with the falls overlook closer at about one-third of a mile. The initial 500 feet of the trail is relatively level, allowing for handicapped access to an overlook where visitors can catch a glimpse of the falls or relax in the shaded picnic area. Beyond this overlook, the dirt trail may become rough and rocky as it descends to an overpass over the railroad tracks.
The overpass leads to a three-tier metal staircase with 64 expanded metal steps. Please note that the overpass and stairs are not dog-friendly. The trail continues toward the river, with the falls overlook upstream and the swinging bridge downstream.
The Swinging Bridge:
Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 to improve access for firefighting, the swinging bridge was reconstructed on concrete towers in the 1950s after being destroyed by flooding in 1948. Further reconstruction took place in 1993, using the existing cables and supports. Today, the swinging bridge and Kootenai Falls are a popular attraction, offering visitors an exciting and unique experience.
Background:
The area around Kootenai Falls and the swinging bridge holds cultural significance for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Visitors are urged to be respectful of this sacred place during their visit.
Geology:
The geological features of Kootenai Falls include metamorphic (quartzite) and sedimentary (limestone) rocks of the Belt Supergroup, dating back 1.5 billion years. Fossils, folds, and ancient shallow sea imprints are among the fascinating geological formations found here. Additionally, the area offers impressive views of folded rock layers and fossilized algal mounds near the swinging bridge, making it a captivating landscape for geology enthusiasts.
Kootenai Falls stands as one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest, offering visitors a spectacular natural wonder to behold. As the tranquil river suddenly gains momentum, it surges through China Rapids before plummeting 90 feet over the falls in less than a mile. The main falls itself cascades 30 feet and can be admired from a unique vantage point on a "swinging bridge" that spans the river.
Getting There:
Located conveniently 12 miles west of Libby and 6 miles east of Troy on US Hwy 2, the falls parking area is situated on the north side of the highway at the 21-mile marker.
Facilities:
The Lincoln County Parks Dept. has thoughtfully provided a picnic area adjacent to the falls parking area, complete with picnic tables, barbecue cooking areas, and restroom facilities. Additionally, a concession service operates at the falls parking lot from May through September, offering food services, souvenirs, and visitor information.
The Trail:
The trail to the swinging bridge is approximately half a mile long, with the falls overlook closer at about one-third of a mile. The initial 500 feet of the trail is relatively level, allowing for handicapped access to an overlook where visitors can catch a glimpse of the falls or relax in the shaded picnic area. Beyond this overlook, the dirt trail may become rough and rocky as it descends to an overpass over the railroad tracks.
The overpass leads to a three-tier metal staircase with 64 expanded metal steps. Please note that the overpass and stairs are not dog-friendly. The trail continues toward the river, with the falls overlook upstream and the swinging bridge downstream.
The Swinging Bridge:
Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 to improve access for firefighting, the swinging bridge was reconstructed on concrete towers in the 1950s after being destroyed by flooding in 1948. Further reconstruction took place in 1993, using the existing cables and supports. Today, the swinging bridge and Kootenai Falls are a popular attraction, offering visitors an exciting and unique experience.
Background:
The area around Kootenai Falls and the swinging bridge holds cultural significance for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Visitors are urged to be respectful of this sacred place during their visit.
Geology:
The geological features of Kootenai Falls include metamorphic (quartzite) and sedimentary (limestone) rocks of the Belt Supergroup, dating back 1.5 billion years. Fossils, folds, and ancient shallow sea imprints are among the fascinating geological formations found here. Additionally, the area offers impressive views of folded rock layers and fossilized algal mounds near the swinging bridge, making it a captivating landscape for geology enthusiasts.
