About Sanders County
Sanders County is located in Northwest Montana. It is bordered on the west by Idaho’s panhandle and is Montana’s 18th most populous county with approximately 11,057 residents. The Clark Fork River, a tributary of the Columbia runs the length of the Valley and is made ideal for water sports by three reservoirs open to the public. The county encompasses the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness and three national forests.
Communities.
Thompson Falls, centrally located, is the county seat and the largest community. There are twelve cities and towns: Belknap, Camas, Dixon, Heron, Hot Springs (don’t miss the Burma Shave signs), Lonepine, Noxon, Paradise, Perma, (Wild Horse) Plains, Thompson Falls (home of western hospitality) and Trout Creek. Plains is home to the Clark Fork Valley Hospital, a critical care facility. Plains has newly upgraded airport that can accommodate commercial aircraft, forestry service helicopters and life flight. Situated a mile from the hospital this airport has received statewide recognition. Thompson Falls has an airport that provides free automobile and sleeping accommodations to travels. There are airstrips throughout the county.
For more information about the communities housed in Sanders County, visit the area Chambers of Commerce.
Culture.
Traditional farming and ranching communities occupy the eastern third of the county and a mixed small farm – logging economy is found toward the west. Timber and wood products, cattle ranching, sawmills, logging, mining and giant hydroelectric plants combine to make a healthy year-round economic climate. Tourism is thriving with many motels and RV parks. Hot Springs and Camas in the eastern part of the county bring tourists from around the world. The mix of people is changing. Many new and early retirees are building substantial homes to live in this breathtaking setting. The climate is mild and some refer to this area as the ‘banana belt’ of Montana. Activities like bowling, golf, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, theater and the arts are all a part of daily living. Celebration of the David Thompson Heritage Days will be held July 4 and 5, 2008. Christmas on Main Street is a time when folks come for a community event and everyone goes to the fairgrounds in Plains to see the parade of lights display in December which cannot be rivaled.
Dining.
Multiple cuisines are offered. Each town has a place to eat. There are several bed and breakfast locations. In Trout Creek, the huckleberry capital, there is almost any food or drink available with a huckleberry accent. Just ask a local, you are never far from great food with a view.
Nature.
Hike to the top of several peaks and stay in a forest service lookout. 85% of Sanders County is federal or state land. From the famous Camas Hot Springs, blue ribbon trout streams, big game hunting to the ultimate county living – Sanders County is a find compliment to Montana's reputation of a land of unsurpassed recreation, scenic wonders and outstanding quality of life.