Just a one-hour scenic drive from Lakeside Motel & Resort, the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge stands as an exhilarating and iconic attraction in northwest Montana. Nestled between the towns of Libby and Troy, this bridge stretches over the Kootenai River near Kootenai Falls, offering sweeping views of dramatic cliffs, cascading waters, and the kind of wild beauty that defines Montana. For guests of Lakeside Motel & Resort, located in the town of Trout Creek, a day trip to this historic bridge promises both adventure and awe.
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A Perfect Day Trip from Lakeside Motel & Resort
Lakeside Motel & Resort is located in Trout Creek on the shores of Noxon Reservoir. While it’s known for its lakefront lodging, Summer Sunset Cruise Tours, and nearby hiking, the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge adds another dimension to the guest experience. Reached in a one-hour drive along Highway 200 and U.S. Route 2, this attraction makes for a memorable excursion.
Kootenai Falls: Montana’s Natural Wonder
Before reaching the swinging bridge, visitors are greeted by Kootenai Falls, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the American Northwest. The Kootenai River will quickly gain force as it moves through China Rapids and then over the falls. The river will drop 90 feet within a mile’s distance. The falls’ main portion is 30 feet high and can be seen from the swinging bridge. Kootenai Falls’ dramatic stair-step appearance is due to “folds” in the area’s geology.
The falls are not only a striking geological feature, but they also hold cultural significance for native people. The falls were sacred to the Kootenai people who once lived in the area. Today, the area retains cultural and spiritual importance to the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful when visiting.
The terrain around the falls is rugged and elemental. Towering cliffs rise above the Kootenai River, and thick conifer forests blanket nearby slopes. It is this unique topography—a mix of roaring water, sheer rock faces, and lush greenery—that makes the journey to the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge such a visceral experience.
Origins of Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge
Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge was originally built in the 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This public work relief program provided jobs to young men during the Great Depression. Once completed, the bridge enabled firefighters to cross the Kootenai River during wildfires. Its design included cables and planks suspended over the river. In 1948, the bridge was destroyed by flooding, and in 1951 the bridge was rebuilt, this time with concrete towers. The bridge was updated in 1968, 1993, and 2016.
Over the decades, the bridge became more than just a crossing point. It transformed into a beloved attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Its narrow width and swaying motion added an element of thrill, especially with the churning waters of the Kootenai River below. While not for the faint of heart, the bridge rewarded brave souls with views of the falls from a perspective otherwise unreachable.
The Need for a Rebuild
As tourism to the area grew, so did concerns over the safety and accessibility of the original structure. By the 2000s, the original Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge was showing signs of age. Though repairs were made over the years, the bridge was increasingly in need of modernization. The U.S. Forest Service and the Kootenai National Forest began planning a major upgrade to meet the demands of growing crowds and ensure visitor safety.
This rebuild wasn’t simply about replacing old materials; it was an opportunity to preserve the visitor experience while enhancing security and structural integrity. The rebuild would be important to local communities, especially among outdoor enthusiasts and business owners who recognized the bridge as a cornerstone of local tourism.
Reimagined and Rebuilt: The 2019 Transformation
The new Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, completed and opened by late July 2019, represents a major step forward in both design and function. Construction on the new bridge began late March into early April of 2019. The new bridge would be roughly 15 feet upstream from the existing bridge, and the existing bridge would remain in place until construction was completed. In late March, contractors used helicopters to transport construction equipment.
The new structure was designed with safety in mind. Rob Malyevac, an engineer for the Forest Service, oversaw the project and explained the rebuild, “Based on the age of the structure and some of the wear we were seeing on the cable, we just decided it was more practical and more economical to start from scratch.” (Shindledecker, dailyinterlake.com)
Before the new bridge, the old bridge was limited to accommodating five persons at a time, due to concerns on weight-bearing capacity. These concerns came especially into play as visitor counts could approach 600 per day in the summer months. The new bridge was designed to safely handle increased use, while still maintaining the character of the site that has attracted visitors for so many years.
A Bucket-List Bridge
Today, Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge continues to captivate visitors by offering a unique immersive experience. The rush of the river below, the sway of the bridge, and the wind in your face create a sensory-rich moment that can stay with people long after they leave.
Tips for Visiting
For guests of Lakeside Motel & Resort looking to experience the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, here are a few helpful tips:
- Start early: The site can become busy during the summer, especially on weekends. Visiting in the morning may allow for a quieter, more serene experience.
- Wear sturdy broken-in shoes: Beyond the first 500 feet, the trail can become rough and rocky for some as it descends to an overpass above railroad tracks. The overpass leads to a staircase of 64 open metal steps. Sturdy broken-in footwear with good traction will help ensure safety and comfort on this inspiring trail.
- Pack water and snacks: While the walk is not long, having water is always smart, especially in the warmer months.
- Respect the site: Remember the cultural significance of Kootenai Falls and stay on the trail to preserve the area for future generations.
Extend the Adventure
Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge is part of a larger recreational experience. Visitors can hike along the river, photograph the falls from multiple vantage points, or enjoy a picnic in one of the scenic rest areas. Wildlife sightings are common, with ospreys during spring and summer, bighorn sheep and deer from fall through spring, and bald eagles in the area throughout the year.
Back at Lakeside Motel & Resort, guests can reflect on their day over dinner at the onsite restaurant, or unwind while sitting around a fire pit on the resort’s lawn, looking at the stars. The resort’s tranquil setting on Noxon Reservoir provides a balancing contrast to the adrenaline-filled thrill of the bridge.
Why It Matters
Montana is full of natural treasures, but few offer the combination of thrill, beauty, and history found at Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge. For visitors staying at Lakeside Motel & Resort, this nearby landmark is more than just a bridge—it’s a pathway to understanding the raw power of nature, the resilience of community, and the timeless allure of the Montana wilderness.
By pairing a stay at Lakeside Motel & Resort with a visit to this unforgettable attraction, travelers gain access to a unique outdoor experience in the American Northwest. The rebuilt Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge stands as a testament to Montana’s dedicated preservation of its past while safely guiding visitors into future exploration.
Plan your stay at Lakeside Motel & Resort and make Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge part of your Montana adventure!
Sources:
Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge.” fs.usda.gov. Updated 14 April 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/recreation/kootenai-falls-and-swinging-bridge.
Franz, Justin. “Iconic Kootenai Falls Swing Bridge Being Replaced: U.S. Forest Service Officials Expect New Bridge to Be Completed in Three Months.” flatheadbeacon.com. 29 March 2019. https://flatheadbeacon.com/2019/03/29/iconic-kootenai-falls-swing-bridge-replaced/.
“Kootenai Falls, Landmark | Libby.” visitmt.com. Accessed 16 June 2025. https://visitmt.com/listing/kootenai-falls.
“Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge.” libbymt.com. Accessed 16 June 2025. https://www.libbymt.com/areaattractions/kootenaifalls.htm.
Shindledecker, Scott (Western News). “New Suspension Bridge over Kootenai Opens.” dailyinterlake.com. 31 July 2019. https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2019/jul/31/new-suspension-bridge-over-kootenai-opens-6/.
