Experience Mineral County

In Mineral County, remarkable reminders of transportation and mining history meet river landscapes and expansive trails. A distinctive structure is the Natural Pier Bridge: its concrete pier rests on a rocky outcrop in the Clark Fork River. No other U.S. state has a structure of this kind.

Bridges and Mining Heritage

The Natural Pier Bridge crosses the Clark Fork about two miles west of Alberton. Right next to the bridge, on the river’s northeastern side, is the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Natural Pier Bridge Fishing Access Site. Another crossing is the Scenic Bridge, which spans the Clark Fork River near the mouth of the Alberton Gorge, about four miles east of the community of Tarkio.

The Mullan Road is also part of the region’s transportation history. Its significance lies primarily in being the first improved road to connect the northern plains with the Columbia Plateau. At the Mineral County Museum, exhibits on the Mullan Road sit alongside displays on mining, logging, and the county’s social history. Admission is free. In September 2026, the museum was open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; check the schedule before your visit.

The mining heritage dates back to the early 1860s and is not just history: active mining claims remain part of the economy and cultural heritage. Mining, logging, ranching, and agriculture are also still practiced in the county today.

Landscape and Outdoor Activities

The terrain in Mineral County is rugged, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 feet above sea level. Forests of the Lolo National Forest cover most of the area. Fish Creek State Park gives an idea of the scale of the landscape: it covers more than 5,600 acres and is the largest state park in western Montana. In the Alberton Gorge area, Fish Creek and the Clark Fork River meet.

At Fish Creek State Park, the trail network includes 70 miles of open trails authorized for motorized use. Trails closed to motorized use are available for hiking and other non-motorized activities; the park also offers mountain biking. An estimated 47 mammal species and 113 bird species make their home there.

Across the county, there are hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, and ATV riding. Other options include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Wildlife can be observed year-round. Options range from trails open to motorized use to non-motorized outings and wildlife watching.

The Clark Fork River and the Alberton Gorge offer opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, floating, and swimming. Fishing is available on the St. Regis River, and 42-acre Cliff Lake also offers fishing. The Cliff Lake Trail leads into an alpine cirque, with views of Diamond Lake, Torino Peak, and Eagle Cliff Mountain.

For a scenic drive, the Clark Fork Scenic Drive begins near Alberton at the Alberton Gorge and follows the St. Regis-Paradise Scenic Byway through the Lolo National Forest. The Superior Ranger District also provides access to the Route of the Hiawatha, where you can ride a bike along a historic railroad route.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: St. Regis, Carter County, Silver Bow, Custer County, Missoula County, Treasure County, Garfield County, Lewis And Clark.

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