Mineral County: Nature, Rivers and Mining Heritage

Mineral County combines rugged landscapes, rivers, forests and a mining heritage that remains visible to this day. Elevations range from 2,500 to 8,000 feet above sea level, while the forests of the Lolo National Forest cover most of the area. This creates an unusual range of options for planning your trip: You can explore local history, discover trails and waterways, or use your accommodation as a base for a variety of activities.

Nature Among Forests, Rivers and Alpine Lakes

Fish Creek State Park covers more than 5,600 acres and is the largest state park in western Montana. In the Alberton Gorge area, Fish Creek and the Clark Fork River converge. The park offers a 70-mile network of open trails approved for motorized use. Closed trails are available for hiking and non-motorized use. There are also opportunities for mountain biking. Those interested in wildlife viewing will find habitats for an estimated 47 mammal species and 113 bird species in the park.

The landscape can also be experienced in many ways outside the state park. Mineral County has hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, cycling and ATV riding. The trail network also offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Wildlife viewing is possible year-round. Cliff Lake is a 42-acre lake with opportunities for fishing. The Cliff Lake Trail leads into an alpine cirque with views of Diamond Lake, Torino Peak and Eagle Cliff Mountain.

The rivers add water-based activities to the nature experience. The Clark Fork River and Alberton Gorge offer opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, floating and swimming. The St. Regis River is used for fishing in Mineral County. The Superior Ranger District provides access to the Route of the Hiawatha, where you can cycle along a historic railway route. There are also rentable lookout platforms and trails leading to alpine lakes.

Bridges, Mining and the History of the Trails

A distinctive engineering landmark is the Natural Pier Bridge. Its concrete pier rests on a rock outcrop in the Clark Fork River; this construction feature exists in no other state. The bridge crosses the Clark Fork about two miles west of Alberton. Immediately beside it, on the northeastern side of the river, is the Natural Pier Bridge Fishing Access Site operated by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Another prominent crossing is the Scenic Bridge near the mouth of Alberton Gorge, about four miles east of the community of Tarkio.

The Mineral County Museum features exhibits on the Mullan Road, mining, logging and the social history of Mineral County. Admission is free; the museum is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The county’s mining heritage dates back to the early 1860s. Active mining claims remain part of the economy and cultural heritage. Logging, ranching and agriculture are also part of the continuing heritage and are still practiced there today.

The Mullan Road is particularly significant as the first improved road to connect the northern plains with the Columbia Plateau. The Mullan Road section is about five miles long: In the west, it runs as an overgrown, widened forest road, followed by a two-track dirt jeep trail and, in the east, a single-lane gravel and dirt road leading to today’s paved State Highway 10. The Clark Fork Scenic Drive begins near Alberton by Alberton Gorge and follows the St. Regis-Paradise Scenic Byway through the Lolo National Forest.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When searching for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Mineral County, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip. For culturally focused days, the museum, bridges and Mullan Road are the main attractions. Those who want to combine nature and activity can include Fish Creek State Park, Cliff Lake, the rivers or the county’s trails in their plans. If several interests come together, compare the locations of accommodations with the destinations you actually want to visit, also taking into account the desired balance of peaceful landscape experiences, excursions and activities.

More Places for Orientation

If you would like to extend your search to other destinations, you can also find St. Regis here. More pages for orientation: Sweet Grass, Judith Basin County, Phillips County, Powder River County, Ravalli County, Broadwater, Treasure County.

For the main travel overview: Montana.