Hiking in The Cabinet Mountains

The Libby Area has the Kootenai River from Libby Dam to Troy running through the heart of it. The Kootenai River is identified as a “blue ribbon trout stream”. The Purcell Range is located north of the River and features numerous peaks at 6000’ elevation. Turner Mountain Ski Area is located 22 miles north of Libby, providing 2200’ of vertical and 1000 acres of terrain for alpine skiing.

The Cabinet Mountains are located south of the River with many peaks at 7500’ elevation. Snowshoe Peak at 8738’ is the tallest peak on the Kootenai National Forest. The Cabinet Mountains Wilderness located in this area provides visitors with self challenge, spiritual renewal, solitude, alpine scenery, and the opportunity to view unique wildlife (grizzly bear, mountain goat, wolverine, Canadian lynx, and peregrine falcons) and wildflowers.

Over 132 species of wildflowers have been found in the Wilderness. Access into the Wilderness is by one of many non-motorized hiking trails. Kootenai Falls located 10 miles downstream of Libby is the last undammed falls on the Kootenai River. Located adjacent to US Highway 2, it is the most highly viewed scenic attraction on the Forest.

Libby Dam located 17 miles upstream from Libby, forms 90 mile long Lake Koocanusa. More than 400 miles of summer use trail are open and available in the Libby Area. Over 60 miles of snowmobile trail and 15 miles of X-C ski are regularly groomed from December through March. Four developed campgrounds provide facilities for camping and picnicking. The Libby Area provides the nation’s first lookout tower available for public rental at Big Creek Baldy Mountain.

Cabinet Mountains

If you’re looking for a campground try Howard Lake.

Cabinet Mountains

Howard Lake campground is located south of Libby on road 4779. The campground has 10 sites (3 pull thru’s) including one host site with tables and fire rings. Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel. Amenities include vault toilets and swimming beach. There are 2 day use sites with fire rings and picnic tables near the beach area.

The camphost may close the gate to the campground each evening at 10:00 pm and open it again at 7:00 am. The gate closes for the season on December 1st and is opened again when access permits.

See you on the trail.