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Koocanusa Area

The Koocanusa Area is primarily centered along a narrow 90 mile long Koocanusa Reservoir, formed by Libby Dam. Approximately 60 miles are within the United States.  Libby Dam is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers which provides daily dam tours.   Koocanusa Reservoir is the major recreation attraction in this geographic area, providing ideal settings for large watercraft and sailing.  The reservoir contains a large and stable population of Kookanee salmon, Kamloops (rainbow) trout, bull trout, West slope cutthroat trout and burbot.  Fishing has been reported to be fantastic.   There are a number of large developed recreation complexes along the reservoir shoreline including: Rexford Bench, McGillivray, Peck Gulch, and Rocky Gorge.   Campgrounds, picnic areas, swimming beaches, boat ramps, as well as day use areas comprise many of the facilities within these developed sites.  In addition there are two marina complexes located on the reservoir, one on the southern end, at Cripple Horse, while the northern portion of the reservoir has Mariners Haven Resort near the Town of Rexford.  There are also a number of private RV parks, restaurants, and stores near the marinas or within the surrounding communities of West Kootenai, Rexford, Eureka and Libby. Two paved highways running adjacent to the reservoir and extending from Eureka to Libby have been designated by the State of Montana as a Scenic Byway.   Traffic is light and views along the roadways are memorable, including glimpses of the Ural-Tweed Big Horn Sheep herd, located on the eastern side of the reservoir along Hwy 37, 

 Various mountain ranges create the geographic setting; Purcell Mountains located west of Koocanusa Reservoir while the Salish Mountains are located on the eastern side.   The Koocanusa Area is the perfect setting for year round recreational attractions, including: fishing, water sports, rock and ice climbing, and driving for pleasure, especially during the fall Western Larch color change.  

Stone Hill climbing area is also located adjacent to Hwy 37 just south of Koocanusa Bridge.  The climbing area offers in excess of 70 established climbing routes.  Many climbers use the site as an opportunity to hone their climbing skills or to introduce new climbers to the sport.  Koocanusa Bridge located at Mile Post 53, approximately 6 miles south of the Town of Rexford.  It is the longest and highest bridge in Montana.  The bridge connects Hwy 37 to the Western side of the reservoir and recreational opportunities such as road access to the Yaak River valley, the community of West Kootenai, and numerous hiking trails and fishing creeks.  Located on the western side is a former fire lookout cabin that is now available for the public to rent.

 The Koocanusa Area is the perfect setting for a large-water based recreation vacation.

Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Spin, Bait; ADA Accessible fishing access with boat launch

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 13 results

Barron Creek Boating Site

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
The Barron Creek Boating Site is approximately 25 miles northeast of Libby on FDR road 228. This camping area has seven sites. The 3 sites in the open area have fire rings and vault toilet nearby and…

Big Creek Baldy Lookout

Big Creek Baldy Lookout sits atop its namesake mountain at an elevation of 5,780 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout has been used as an observation point for spotting forest fires for…

Camp 32

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Camp 32 campground is located 15 miles southwest of Eureka off Pinkham Creek road 7182. The campground 8 sites with tables, fire rings. Accommodating up to a 20' rv. Amenities include potable…

McGillivray Campground and Group Sites

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Water Activities
The McGillivray Campground has 33 total campsites and provides three opportunities for group rental camping. The group shelter will accommodate up to 200 people making it great for reunions and…

McGuire Mountain Lookout

McGuire Mountain Lookout was originally constructed in 1923 and was actively used as an observation point for detecting forest fires for over 20 years before it was abandoned around 1944. The…

Peck Gulch Campground

Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Scenic Drives Picnicking
The Peck Gulch Campground is located 21 miles southwest of Eureka off Hwy 37. The campground has 22 campsites including one host site, with tables, fire rings and some with tent pads and able to…

Rexford Bench Campground

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning
Rexford Bench Campground is the most highly developed campground within the Kootenai National Forest. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Koocanusa, and hiking in…

Rocky Gorge Campground

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
The Rocky Gorge Campground is located approximately 26 miles southwest of Eureka off Hwy 37.  The campground has 60 campsites including one host site, with tables, fire rings and some with tent pads…

Stone Hill Climbing Area

Along the Koocanusa Reservoir is the Stone Hill Climbing Area.  Stone Hill is a unique area for climbers of all levels.  The area offers a good range of easy to moderate climbs for the…

Swisher Lake Campground

Horse Riding and Camping Water Activities
The Swisher Lake Campground is located 8 miles northwest of Eureka on Sophie Bay road 7160. The campground has 4 sites with tables and fire rings. Amenities include a vault toilet, hitching rack and…

Last updated March 18th, 2025