RECREATION
The natural surroundings and resources in northwest Montana are second to none. Kootenai National Forest sprawls more than 2 million acres of mountains, trails, live water and wildlife. Kootenai River, Clark Fork River and Bull Lake offer exceptional fishing and recreation within the forest. In addition, more than 1,400 miles are accessible for hiking there are 40 developed campgrounds and over 70 miles of snowmobile routes. Kootenai Falls is the largest free-flowing waterfall in the state, while Lake Koccanusa offers 200-plus miles of accessible shoreline. Turner Mountain has 800 acres and 300 inches of annual snowfall for skiing enthusiasts. In addition, the area hosts a wide variety of events including Riverfront Blues Festival, Paint It Pink, Kootenai Highland Gathering and Big Sky Bash to name just a few.
AMENITIES
Tourism is a major industry in Libby, MT and Lincoln County thanks to the wealth of natural resources available throughout northwest Montana. Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, Northwest Community Health Center and Libby Care Center are local medical facilities offering the most up-to-date amenities. Libby School District features four schools, which have received numerous accolades. Flathead Valley Community College operates a Lincoln County campus in Libby providing the same educational opportunities as the main campus in Kalispell, MT.
HISTORY
The earliest inhabitants of the area were mostly members of the Kootenai Tribe. Trappers and traders from British fur companies arrived in the early 1800s. Numerous forts were built during this time and in the 1860s mining became a local interest. By 1892, the first train arrived and in 1912 Lincoln County was formed, one year before the first automobile arrived via road from Kalispell, MT.
CLIMATE
The 152 days of sunshine, summers in the 80s and winters in the 20s are part of the continental climate experienced in the Libby, MT area. Measurable precipitation falls on an average of 112 days. Of that precipitation, 45 inches is snowfall and 22 inches is rain annually.