Thompson Falls

Thompson Falls State Park encompasses 39 acres along the Clark Fork River near the town of Thompson Falls in Sanders County. The park provides camping and river access in the mountain valleys of western Montana.

The Clark Fork River supports rainbow trout, brown trout, and bull trout. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys inhabit the riverside forest. Ospreys and bald eagles fish the river. The rich riparian habitat supports diverse birdlife.

Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests shade the park. Cottonwoods and willows line the riverbank. The warm, dry microclimate supports a mix of grassland and forest species. Wildflowers bloom in spring.

The park sits along the Clark Fork River where it flows through a valley in the Cabinet Mountains. Thompson Falls, a natural waterfall partially submerged by the dam, gives the area its name. The surrounding mountains consist of Belt Supergroup rocks.

Western Montana's valleys experience cold winters and warm summers. Thompson Falls receives moderate precipitation, influenced by Pacific moisture. Annual precipitation averages about 18 inches.

David Thompson established Saleesh House, a fur trading post, near the falls in 1809. The falls were an important fishing site for Native peoples. Thompson Falls Dam was built in 1917 for hydroelectric power.

Thompson Falls State Park provides camping and recreation along the Clark Fork River in the scenic mountain valley near Thompson Falls.

Fishing on the Clark Fork River is the primary activity. The park provides a pleasant overnight stop for travelers on Highway 200. River views and the mountain setting add scenic value.

The park offers 20 campsites and day-use facilities. It is located about 1 mile northwest of Thompson Falls on Highway 200.

The park provides river access while protecting riparian habitat. Clark Fork River water quality has improved through upstream Superfund remediation. Bull trout passage at Thompson Falls Dam is an ongoing conservation concern.