Plains office
Steeped in the history of wild horses that once wintered in this peaceful valley, Plains is an exemplary example of quiet Western Montana living. With the Clark Fork River winding gracefully through the lush valley floor, residents and visitors enjoy abundant opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting, all against a backdrop of forested mountains and wide-open skies.
Wild Horse Heritage
Plains was originally founded as Horse Plains, sometimes called Wild Horse Plains, after the local American Indians who wintered their horses here to graze on the valley's rich grasses. The name was shortened when the Northern Pacific Railway arrived, and the post office moved into town, but that frontier spirit remains woven into the community's character today.
Small-Town Charm with Historic Roots
Within Plains, a number of historic buildings tell the story of the town's early days, including a one-room schoolhouse built in 1878 and the old jail building. Families will enjoy relaxing in the shade at local parks featuring basketball courts, a skate park, and playground equipment. The town's walkable downtown offers local shops and eateries with genuine small-town hospitality.
Outdoor Adventure in Every Direction
For those who want to truly take in the area, venture up to Pat's Knob Lookout, sitting at 6,837 feet with stunning 360-degree views of the Clark Fork Valley. The Lolo National Forest offers over 2,500 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and exploring. The surrounding hillsides are also prime territory for picking the sometimes-elusive huckleberry.
Wildlife enthusiasts won't want to miss the Koo-Koo-Sint Bighorn Sheep Viewing Site, located nearby and offering close-up views of these majestic animals. Premier viewing runs from November through December when the sheep descend to lower elevations.
Gateway to Flathead Lake
Just an hour north, the magnificent Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, spans 200 square miles of crystal-clear water bordered by the majestic Mission Range. Anglers travel from around the world for its renowned cutthroat trout, lake trout, and kokanee salmon fishing, while boaters and paddlers find endless room to explore.
Find Your Place in Plains
Whether you're searching for a home in town, riverfront property along the Clark Fork, timbered acreage in the surrounding mountains, or agricultural land in this fertile valley, the Plains, MT realtors at Clearwater Montana Properties are here to help. Our real estate agents in Plains, MT bring deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for connecting buyers with properties that match their lifestyle.
Ready to discover what the Clark Fork Valley has to offer? Contact the realtors in Plains, MT today at (406) 826-6000 or stop by our office at 306 W Railroad Ave #1, Plains, Montana 59859. You can also browse our current listings to start your search for the perfect property in this beautiful corner of Western Montana.