Discover Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls can be explored through several distinct themes: a section of the Gateway to Glacier Trail, local history, and activities for days by the water and other leisure interests. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, your travel dates may depend on whether you mainly want to hike, swim, fish, go boating, or plan around a summer festival. The features of the area range from a precisely described trail section to event details that change each year; check the information for your travel dates when planning around seasonal offerings.

Trails and Water

The Gateway to Glacier Trail runs along a one-mile paved section through Columbia Falls. It extends from the east side of the bridge on River Road to the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 206. This section was completed in 2020. The trail organization also envisions a safe, off-road route from Columbia Falls to West Glacier.

Located on the banks of the Flathead River, River’s Edge Park offers walking trails. The riverside park is therefore a distinct point of interest for a trip that includes walking trails. Since park features can change, check current conditions before visiting.

Teakettle is a state fishing access site on the North Fork of the Flathead River near Columbia Falls and a day-use area for fishing and boating. Check access conditions before driving there; seasonal or safety-related restrictions may apply. Unlike the walking trails, the focus here is on using the river for fishing and boating.

Local History and Heritage Days

Columbia Falls’s historic Shay locomotive stands in Depot Park. The town was founded in 1891 in anticipation of the arrival of the Great Northern Railway. In its early history, logging and agriculture shaped the area; there were numerous sawmills and farms nearby. The anticipated railway connection was thus part of the town’s founding, while logging and agriculture were two distinct strands of its early history.

Columbia Falls Heritage Days also has a long history: the event it grew out of was established in 1956 as Progress Days, later called Round Up Days, and officially renamed Heritage Days in 1980. Today, Columbia Falls Heritage Days takes place every year on the last full weekend in July. The program includes food, music, local traditions, vendor booths, sporting events, and a hometown parade. Specific dates and program details vary from year to year; check the information for your travel year.

Golf, Swimming, and Market

Meadow Lake Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course on the western edge of Columbia Falls. It offers a clearly defined golfing focus alongside hiking and water activities. Operating details may change; check them before visiting.

Columbia Falls Aquatic Center offers public swim times. These are seasonal and may change, so it’s a good idea to check the current schedule before planning your day around them.

At the Columbia Falls Community Market, local farmers, food producers, artists, and craftspeople sell their products. Vendors and dates may change from year to year. The market complements the sports-related options with local products and handmade goods.

Discover more destinations: Hungry Horse, Essex, Marion, Whitefish, West Glacier, Kalispell, Kila, Bigfork

For the broader travel overview: Flathead.