Montana:Kootenia Falls – Big Sky Country

by Funhog Family on April 24, 2012

Big sky...big water

After a very short stint driving and camping in the panhandle of Idaho we found ourselves in Montana. We were all looking forward to visiting Kootenai Falls, the location where the River Wild was filmed. As we got closer we found out that there was a swinging bridge across the Kootenai River, which we were eager to see. In Yosemite we stopped to see a swinging bridge and were so disappointed to find the bridge was sturdy enough to drive semi trucks across. No matter how we all tried, our family along with the 100+ other people on the bridge could not make the steel and concrete structure swing. Well, we were all praying that this bridge may swing a little more. It was a real treat as our hike to the bridge brought us to a 300+ ft long structure that was made with two steel cables and numerous 2×6 wooden planks. What made it even more fun was the warning that only five people were allowed on the bridge at one time. The kids became bouncing maniacs and the bridge was swinging in full force. My parents drove over from Glacier to spend the day with us, and my mother would not get on the bridge as we made it sway. It was great and worth the time invested.

Just Swinging

Once we finished with the swinging bridge we hiked up the river to look at the waterfall and determine if it would still be safe enough to kayak with the high water. The falls were an amazing site to see. The high water made them a little too much to kayak solo with no safety. We all spent a lot of time just looking at the power of the water and enjoying the beauty of the place. After a great lunch of mac and cheese with a two hour nap for the kids we all piled in the van to follow my parents to their home on the border of Glacier National Park.

I'll lead

Discussing Options

{ 4 comments }

Ken Hawkins April 25, 2012 at 6:18 am

No bungie jumping off the bridge?

Funhog Family April 25, 2012 at 7:23 am

Not yet. Come join us and we will all have a great time trying it.

Ken Hawkins April 26, 2012 at 5:51 am

Not me, if the bridge is still good, I’m not jumping off of it.

Ken Hawkins April 26, 2012 at 5:53 am

I wish I could join you, it looks like you all are having a good time.

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