Rugged, mountainous, and breathtakingly beautiful, northwest Montana is an underrated treasure. While Glacier National Park offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreation and stunning scenery, it’s far from the only gem in that corner of the Treasure State.
The Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway is a short, sweet road trip that takes you from Libby to Eureka (or vice versa). This is one of northwest Montana’s best-kept secrets, and it’s definitely worth the drive.
Google Maps
The Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway is a paved, 67-mile drive that’s perfect for a short getaway.
CATTSAR / TripAdvisor The road follows Route 37 between Libby and Eureka.
For the vast majority of the route, you’ll be driving along the shores of Lake Koocanusa.
CrankingChick / TripAdvisor There are quite a few scenic viewpoints along the way, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time to make the drive. You won’t want to miss a thing.
Lake Koocanusa is 90 miles long, and you’ll often see people fishing and boating here in the spring and summer.
Tony Webster / Flickr The lake was formed behind Libby Dam, which was completed in 1974. It was named when the Corps of Engineers conducted a contest to name the lake. The woman who won combined the first three letters from the words Kootenai and Canada, adding USA to create the name Koocanusa.
Lake Koocanusa is also home to the Koocanusa Bridge, which spans its entire length.
CrankingChick / TripAdvisor At 270 feet high and 2,437 feet long, it’s the tallest and longest bridge in the state.
Eureka marks the end of the byway. Luckily, it’s the perfect place to stop and explore.
Richard Bauer / Flickr This charming Tobacco Valley town has a brewery, cafes, shops, and the Tobacco Valley Historical Village.
This scenic byway is perfect for exploring a little-known part of northwest Montana. Have you ever been to Lake Koocanusa? While you’re in the area, don’t miss seeing Kootenai Falls.
Google Maps
CATTSAR / TripAdvisor
The road follows Route 37 between Libby and Eureka.
CrankingChick / TripAdvisor
There are quite a few scenic viewpoints along the way, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time to make the drive. You won’t want to miss a thing.
Tony Webster / Flickr
The lake was formed behind Libby Dam, which was completed in 1974. It was named when the Corps of Engineers conducted a contest to name the lake. The woman who won combined the first three letters from the words Kootenai and Canada, adding USA to create the name Koocanusa.
At 270 feet high and 2,437 feet long, it’s the tallest and longest bridge in the state.
Richard Bauer / Flickr
This charming Tobacco Valley town has a brewery, cafes, shops, and the Tobacco Valley Historical Village.
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Address: Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway, Montana 59923, USA
