Today was simply a glorious day in Montana and a great day to take a hike to the Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge. Little did we know the hike to the falls and the bridge took us in different directions once we got to the fork in the trail! The initial hike to the fork was on a paved walk and was not so difficult; the separate trails to the falls and the bridge were dirt, rocky, and had various elevation challenges. We are pleased to announce that we did both and lived to tell about it! LOL! Actually, since we are not true hikers, we did pretty well. The final climb up the 80 steps to the walking bridge across the railroad tracks was the slowest part of the hike for me personally. Thank goodness for the ice cream stand at the entrance when we arrived back!
The falls are absolutely beautiful. You could hear the roar before you could see them and then when you did it was spectacular! The movie, River Wild, starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon was filmed here in 1994. We will definitely be finding that movie to see the scenes from the falls. There are warnings that inform you that although the falls are inviting they are deadly and to be extremely careful!
The easy path to the fork in the trail!
Warning signs are posted everywhere along the trails.
Which way to go first? We'll go to the right and see the falls first!
This is bear country and when we saw the berries, we knew this is their food source!
The first sighting of the falls!
The falls drop 90 feet in less than a minute!
After admiring the falls for a while, relaxing, we headed for the swinging bridge. We hiked back to the fork in the road where we met up with a few other hikers who looked a bit tired. I noticed many were wearing flip-flops and you can imagine what I thought of that! Are you crazy? I then decided they were absolutely crazy because the hike to the swinging bridge was very rocky and uneven, at times sloping towards the river bank area, not to mention dodging trees!
The trail to the swinging bridge.
Knowing that only 5 people can cross at a time, one would think that 5 from one end would pass and then 5 from the other end would pass, right? Well, I think the park service needs to post a sign for those who don't have common sense! On our cross back, a family walked across and then wanted to walk right back, while many of us were waiting to cross back! I think he finally got the idea when two ladies climbed the steps in front of us and then nudged them along down the stairs!
I have not found any information on the length of this swinging bridge, but it takes a few minutes to pass over especially if you stop to take photos!
Looking down the Kootenai River from the swinging bridge.
The bridge from the other side - you can see it more clearly there.
After crossing the bridge that springs and bounces across the beautiful Kootenai River, we decided to venture further to the river bed. It was an additional hike on more unsteady ground but it was well worth it! The river waters are crystal clear and felt like melted ice cubes! The water was refreshing to walk in and to dip our hands in and cool ourselves off! Again, where are our chairs?
From a rock ledge on the other side of the swinging bridge.
A little further down the trail.
We made it! Oh how fabulous it was there!
I could not believe how long he stood in the river as cold as it was, but like Thom said, "it was so refreshing".
I sat on a rock with my feet in the water and then I cupped the water and poured it on my face and neck. Very, very cold but very, very good!
No zoom - this butterfly was at our feet for a few minutes, allowing me to take many photos.
The water is so clear and the rocks in the river are so pretty and colorful! I wanted to take one home but Thom had a good point - we would have to carry it back through the trails with us. We opted for a few stones instead that we could "pocket"!
Tenderfoot! LOL!
The walking bridge across the railroad tracks, which is 3 stories high or 80 steps with landings to rest on!
One last view of the China Rapids.
We will be in Libby one more night (Tuesday) and then we will head out to Columbia Falls, MT and Glacier National Park! The stay here in Libby has been quite pleasant, especially with the creek to rest and relax by at the end of the day!
We decided not to return to British Columbia after all. We contemplated the trip but decided there was plenty here yet to see. Unfortunately, today (Tuesday, July 7) it started the day with rain so we will continue to relax near the creek and prepare for the week ahead, which will include another a/c check. Our zone 1 a/c is making crazy noises and we think it needs to be oiled. We shall see!
Until next blog ...
They do make fold up chairs with bags so you can carry them. Did you bring the binoculars? Sounds like you are having fun. Glad you are sharing.
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