Thompson Falls, Montana

A Scenic Setting, Outstanding Outdoor Recreation, a Beautiful Golf Course and Abundant Wildlife are Thompson Falls Highlights

Pretty Thompson Falls sits in a lush valley on the banks of the Clark Fork River in northwestern Montana’s Rocky Mountains and started out as a fur trading post in 1809. It is completely surrounded by national forests, lakes and rivers and is a remote spot, 100 miles from Missoula and 135 miles away from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.

The primary draw here, aside from the breathtaking scenery, is the unlimited outdoor recreation. Opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, wildlife viewing and more are around every corner.
 
Two reservoirs below the Thompson Falls Dam sparkle, and the River’s Bend Golf Course is beautiful. Herds of big horn sheep graze just outside of town, and black bears, deer and moose are never far away.
 
Downtown has wide streets, a couple of gas stations, some mom and pop restaurants, pubs, a movie theater, a grocery, a few banks, outfitters and a liquor store. Two casinos are here, too.
 
Most homes sit on a hill overlooking town and include ranch ramblers, cabins, A-frames and chalets.
 
Antimony, an element used in batteries and solar panels, is mined about 15 miles outside of Thompson Falls and provides local employment.

Population: 1,500
Median Home Price: $415,000
Climate: Thompson Falls’ climate is milder than other parts of Montana, but winter temperatures are still in the 20s and 30s, and skies are often overcast. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. On average, the area receives 20 inches of rain and 40 inches of snow each year. 
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Age 45 or Better: 46%
Hospital: Clark Fork Valley Hospital, 23 miles away. Thompson Falls does have a primary care clinic.
Public Transit: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
Is Montana Retirement Tax-Friendly: No
Drawbacks: Thompson Falls sits along two lane Highway 200, which can be treacherous in winter. Interstate 90 is 50 miles away.