Columbia Falls River Trail
Columbia Falls River Trail
Due to hunting season and the seasonal WMA closure, the River Trail is closed to public access from October 19-May 15.
Providing trail access along the Flathead River
in the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area
In the early stages of this project Gateway to Glacier Trails negotiated a license with Glencore, owners of the now-defunct Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, to construct a trail on property along the Flathead River from Columbia Falls to Bad Rock Canyon. The land was recently purchased by Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), and is now the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area. This purchase ensures the protection of water quality, conservation of vital wildlife habitat, and protection against development while providing public recreation access and stewardship education via our River Trail project. The trail is 3 miles long, with the final 1/3 mile decommissioned in 2021 to protect sensitive wildlife habitat. We are currently working with FWP on additional trails and FWP recently completed a designated parking area off of the highway.
The Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area is closed annually for hunting season beginning in late October and closed immediately following to protect wildlife until mid-May.
The River Trail is currently closed. Once opened, please follow these guidelines provided by WMA landowners Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:
Walk in access is permitted from the River Rd. with parking at the bridge and absolutely no parking beyond there.
Trail is closed beyond BPA powerlines.
Be bear aware and carry bear spray.
Respect adjacent private property boundaries.
Respect wildlife by keeping pets on leash and keeping your distance.
Click here to donate to this project.
Directions to the trailhead
To reach the beginning of the trail, turn left onto River Rd. as you're heading out of Columbia Falls. Please park in the temporary parking area - a small dirt space on the left of River Rd, directly off the highway. Please respect our neighbors and do not park in front of the gate or at the trailhead. From there you will need to walk or bike down to the trailhead, which is at the end of the road on the right side (there's a large sign marking the trailhead). FWP is currently addressing access and parking, but for now the parking is right off the highway. The trail is open to public access.
