Sanders: River Landscapes, Wildlife and Regional History

Cabinet Gorge Reservoir is a 3,000-acre reservoir on the Lower Clark Fork River. It extends upstream from the Idaho border to Noxon.

Water, Trails and Wildlife

The reservoir offers anglers fishing for pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Four developed public boat ramps provide access for anglers.

The Mount Silcox Wildlife Management Area covers 1,552 acres. Its management goals include providing winter and spring habitat for bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep can be observed there from late October to mid-April; possible sightings depend on wildlife conditions. This timeframe gives you a seasonal indication if wildlife viewing is one of your travel interests.

Thompson Falls State Park is on the Lower Clark Fork River, one mile from Thompson Falls.

The Thompson Falls Trail System offers trails within the city limits. Printed maps of the Thompson Falls Community Trails are available at the Extension Office.

Museums and Regional History

The LaRue Hot Springs Museum preserves the hardships and achievements of the people who settled in this area. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. from May through September. Since hours are seasonal, check them again before your trip.

The Old Jail Museum is one of the oldest continuously used buildings in Sanders County. It serves to preserve the county’s history as well as historical artifacts, photographs and maps. Its exhibits showcase periods from Thompson Falls’ early development. The building, collection and exhibits offer different ways to explore regional history: from a preserved place to material evidence and the development of the town.

The Paradise Center features exhibits about the railroad and a miniature roundhouse. They explore Paradise’s significance in the development of railroading. The center also offers a public walking trail with 15 interpretive panels about nearby attractions. The trail is open to the public during daylight hours. This offering brings together exhibit content and information shared along the walking trail.

Historic Route and Local Tradition

The historic Road to the Buffalo is marked with signs bearing a buffalo symbol. In Sanders County, it generally follows Montana Highway 200, with detours along Blue Slide Road and a loop northeast of Plains.

The Trout Creek Huckleberry Festival takes place annually on the second full weekend in August and features handmade arts and crafts. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking the event dates for your travel year. The festival combines a recurring date on the annual calendar with a clearly defined focus on handmade art and crafts.

Discover more destinations: Thompson Falls, Noxon, Carbon County, Jefferson County, Gallatin, Lewis And Clark, Prairie County, Musselshell County.

For the broader travel overview: Montana.