About Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls is a named waterfall in Lincoln County, Montana, located about 11 miles northwest of Libby. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kootenai Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°27′20″ N, 115°45′48″ W (48.45550, -115.76322). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Kool Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), China Creek (stream, 0.7 mi), and Williams Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Yaak Falls, 14 miles to the northwest.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Kootenai Falls:
Kootenai Fallsbeautiful areaamazing viewswingingglacierstairseasy hikecleanlinessbeautiful sceneryviews
More Photos
429 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Kootenai Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Kootenai Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Kootenai Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Kootenai Falls holds a 4.8 average from 137 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Kootenai Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Kool Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- China Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Williams Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Shannon Lake — lake, 1.7 mi
- Kootenai Mountain — summit, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 48.45550, -115.76322. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Kootenai Falls
- Turner Falls, MT30 mi north
- Sutton Creek Falls, MT31 mi northeast
- Upper Falls, MT33 mi north
- Lower Falls, MT33 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kootenai Falls located?
Kootenai Falls is in Lincoln County, Montana, about 11 miles northwest of Libby. Its coordinates are 48.45550, -115.76322 (48°27′20″ N, 115°45′48″ W).
What town is closest to Kootenai Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Libby, MT, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Kootenai Falls?
The closest is Yaak Falls (14 mi northwest). Others within reach include Char Falls (20 mi), Grouse Creek Falls (26 mi), and Moyie Falls (27 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Kootenai Falls?
Kootenai Falls appears on the USGS Kootenai Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.