Libby, Montana has rightfully earned its nickname “Nature’s Playground.” Settled between the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness and the Kootenai National Forest, residents and visitors are spoiled with 2.2 million acres of the surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re looking for days of solitude by trekking into the pristine, unexplored wilderness or taking a day hike through ancient cedar groves, there’s bound to be a trail to meet every exploration expectation. 

With over 2,000 miles of trails to choose from, you’ll never get tired of the places to explore. Your muscles? That’s a different story. You may have a hard time choosing the right trail, but don’t worry. We’ve narrowed it down to 5 favorite trails in Libby.

Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge 

The Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge trail is a short, mile-long hike that offers breathtaking views of the majestic Kootenai River and is known as one of Montana’s most beautiful natural wonders. The trail is accessed by a footpath located directly from the parking lot. You will pass a concession hut, picnic tables, and several historical information plaques at the beginning of the trail. The main falls stand approximately 30 feet high, making it the largest free-falling waterfall in Montana. The famous swinging bridge suspends 15 feet above the Kootenai River gorge. Once you’re finished admiring the falls, take a short walk over to cross the swinging bridge and explore to your heart’s content.

Ross Creek Cedars

Walk through ancient cedar groves lined with giant plush ferns right outside town and feel as though you’ve escaped this world for another. You can enjoy the cedar grove by taking the .9 mile, self-guided nature trail which forms a winding loop through this old-growth forest environment. The wide path leads you past informative signs telling you the history and ecology of the many plant and animal species native to the grove. In addition to the giant cedars, you will see large specimens of other western trees and the many lush ferns and flowers of the shady forest floor. Some of the information stops along your walk include interpretive signs discussing the interconnection between the plants, animals, and fish. The nature trail also leads you to the banks of Ross Creek, at a point where the creek often runs hidden beneath its colorful rocky bottom. 

Leigh Lake #132

This short, steep trail is heavily used as an access point into the wilderness and Leigh Lake. There are scenic falls at about 1.5 miles in, and excellent views of Snowshoe Peak, Bockman Peaks and Leigh Creek along the trail. Mountain goats are commonly seen above the lake, and huckleberries can be found along the trail in late summer.

The Bighorn Trail #42

This prehistoric trail follows the Kootenai River through old structures and orchards. In addition to bighorn, eagles, osprey, river otters, and ducks may be seen as well as an abundance of terrestrial wildlife. This is a very popular trail with some benches for those wanting to just enjoy the sounds and sights of the river. The trail gets more primitive at the end, and is not recommended for families with children; but you can hike all the way to the Swinging Bridge. Fishing along the Kootenai River is excellent, so be sure to take along a fishing pole.

This is an improved trail with a gravel lift and drainage and provides excellent access for hiking, jogging, dog walking and biking. The Bighorn Trail offers an excellent family opportunity and is the highest use trail in Libby Ranger District. Bighorn sheep were planted in the 1970s and are regularly seen. The Black Eagle Rock trail leaves the main trail near the trailhead. Black Eagle Rock is a very short climbing trail that ends on top of a large rock outcropping offering a spectacular view of the Kootenai River. The trail gets very primitive from China Creek to Kootenai Creek; however the views of the Kootenai Falls area are stunning.

Lake Creek (Geiger Lake) #656

Lake Creek Trail, also known as Geiger Lake Trail, provides access to the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness and ends at Lost Buck Pass on the Cabinet Divide. The trail has a moderate grade and is only 1 3⁄4 miles to lower Geiger Lake, making it an easy family hike.

Lake Creek Trail is a .3 mile spur from the main trail to Upper Geiger Lake. A short hike to the west from Lost Buck Pass offers scenic vistas of Wanless Lake and Engle Peak. The scenery is spectacular through most of the hike and the upper lake offers excellent views of Carney Peak.

Historic Highway 2 Interpretive Trail 

This is an excellent family hike and educational experience. There are several signs along the trail providing historic information as well as information about flora and geology. This elevated trail provides scenic vistas of the Kootenai River and much of Kootenai Falls is visible from the trail. The trail is the historic road bed of Old Highway 2 and offers easy grades and a good trail base. It is an easy hike or bike on an old dirt road that is overgrown but easily traveled.

Sheldon Mountain Trail #376

This is a great hiking, equine and mountain bike use area just outside of Libby. There are numerous trails throughout the area and lots of opportunities for loop hikes or rides. Numerous locations on the trails provide scenic views of the Cabinet Mountains, the Kootenai River and the Libby.

The Sheldon area provides well over 25 miles of light to moderate; hiking, horse and mountain bike trails. The area is commonly used for group trail rides. Local users are continuing to enhance trail opportunities and are planning some parallel trails in mountain bike down flow areas to reduce the potential for user conflict.