Libby office
Located in the Kootenai National Forest between the Cabinet Mountains and the Purcell Mountains, the town of Libby lies in the heart of the Kootenai Valley along the Kootenai River. The original townsite was located several miles upstream from the confluence of Libby Creek and the Kootenai River, but was relocated to its present location in 1892 when the railroad built tracks along the river, joining Idaho with Eastern Montana. Libby was named after the daughter of an early settler. Today, this hidden gem offers pristine lakes, rivers, and mountain trails unencumbered by the crowds you'd encounter anywhere else in the lower 48, making it a dream location for buyers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
The Kootenai National Forest boasts 1,400 miles of hiking trails, 40 developed campgrounds, and countless backcountry roads winding through huckleberry-laden hills with breathtaking views of the Cabinet peaks. In winter, over 70 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, plus many more ungroomed routes, await snowmobilers and cross-country skiers alike.
The 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa is a major draw for boaters and anglers. The roads on either side of the lake create a scenic driving loop with stunning views, while campgrounds and boat docks on both shores accommodate tent and RV campers. Keep your camera handy, wildlife sightings are common along these routes.
Downstream from town, the river enters a canyon and flows over Kootenai Falls, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the Northwest. This dramatic cascade has drawn Hollywood attention twice, first as the backdrop for the 1994 thriller The River Wild starring Meryl Streep, and later in the 2015 Academy Award-winning film The Revenant, where Leonardo DiCaprio's character plunges through the churning rapids in one of the movie's most harrowing scenes. The 30-foot main falls can be reached via a short foot trail from the highway parking area, and a swinging suspension bridge offers a thrilling vantage point above the river's chasm.
Winter enthusiasts will find their perfect powder playground at Turner Mountain Ski Area, just 22 miles outside Libby. This all-volunteer ski hill sits at 5,952 feet with 2,110 feet of vertical rise, offering 20 runs from beginner to black diamond, though most are rated expert.
Visit Libby and experience the mountains the way they used to be, and still are, here in Northwest Montana. Whether you're searching for lakefront property on Koocanusa, forested acreage near the national forest, or a home in town, the realtors in Libby, MT at Clearwater Properties are ready to help. Our team of Libby, Montana real estate agents brings deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for this corner of the state. Contact our real estate office in Libby, MT today at (406) 293-8883 or visit us at 12 Hamann Ave, Libby, Montana 59923 to explore available properties and start your search.