Explore Libby & the Kootenai
Libby is a small town with a lot going on—especially if you enjoy being outside, slowing down a bit, and seeing places that feel genuine. Whether you’re here for an event at the Hidden Chapel or just passing through, there’s plenty to explore in town and nearby.
These are a few local favorites and nearby spots we often recommend to guests.
Outdoor Spots & Scenic Stops
The outdoors is one of the main reasons people fall for this area. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy it—many of the best spots are easy to reach and well worth the stop.
Kootenai FallsOne of the area’s most popular stops for good reason. The falls are powerful and beautiful, with a short walk to viewpoints and a suspension bridge nearby. It’s an easy add to almost any visit.
Kootenai RiverThe river runs right through town and shapes much of the area. There are spots to walk along the water, take photos, or simply sit for a bit and watch it move.
The Cabinet MountainsRising just outside of town, the Cabinets offer everything from scenic drives to longer hikes. Even if you’re not heading deep into the backcountry, the views alone are worth the time.
Day Trips
If you have a little extra time, Libby makes a great home base for exploring the surrounding area. A short drive in just about any direction will take you somewhere worth slowing down for.
Ross Creek CedarsAbout an hour from Libby, this quiet grove of ancient western red cedars is well worth the drive. The short boardwalk loop makes it accessible and unhurried, and the forest feels genuinely different from anywhere else around.
Visit the YaakFolks come up this way to poke around along the Yaak River, stop at Yaak Falls, hike in the Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, or spend a slow afternoon fishing mountain lakes and watching for wildlife—elk, deer, and occasionally grizzlies. And if you make a day of it, many people end up at a local landmark like the Dirty Shame Saloon before heading back.
Take a Scenic DriveThe highways and backroads around Libby are part of the experience. Even an hour in the car can take you through river corridors, forested valleys, and wide-open stretches that feel far removed from busy places.
Food & Drink
Libby has a handful of solid, welcoming places to eat and drink—nothing flashy, just good food made by people who care about what they’re doing.
For a relaxed meal and a local pint, Cabinet Mountain Brewing is a go-to. It’s a comfortable spot to gather, with house-brewed beer and a laid-back atmosphere that works just as well for visitors as it does for locals.
If you’re looking for something a little more refined, The Black Board Bistro offers a more intimate dining experience and thoughtfully prepared dishes—great for a quieter evening out or a special meal while you’re in town.
And for baked goods that people will absolutely tell you about afterward, don’t miss Mustang Bakery. Truly out-of-this-world pastries and baked treats, and well worth timing your visit around when they’re open.
Beyond these, you’ll find a mix of casual diners, coffee spots, and familiar local joints around town—easy places to grab breakfast, refuel between outings, or sit for a bit and watch the day go by.
Getting Here
Libby feels a bit off the beaten path—in a good way—but it’s still easy to reach, whether you’re coming by train or taking the scenic route by car.
The town is served by Amtrak, with a stop on the Empire Builder line. The station is right in town and makes for a relaxed, no-car option if you’re coming from Spokane, Whitefish, or farther afield.
If you’re driving, Libby sits along U.S. Highway 2, often called the High Line. It’s a well-traveled route that runs east–west across northern Montana and offers some genuinely beautiful stretches along the way.
the most commonly used option and is about a 3-hour drive. Glacier Park International Airport is roughly 2.5 hours away, and Missoula International Airport is about a 3-hour drive.
All three routes offer scenic stretches, and many visitors choose their airport based on flight availability and timing.
No matter how you arrive, Libby is the kind of place that feels approachable once you’re here—small enough to get your bearings quickly, with everything close by.
• the Swinging Bridge at Kootenai Falls •