Thompson Falls, Montana

Population: 1,336 (2020 census)
County: Sanders County
Founded: 1910 (established as a town)
Elevation: 2,419 ft
Known For: Natural waterfalls on the Clark Fork River, Thompson Falls Dam, explorer David Thompson
Nearby Landmarks: Cabinet Mountains, Thompson Falls State Park, Clark Fork River
Fun Fact: The Thompson Falls Dam features a fish ladder with 48 pools, completed in 2010, allowing native fish like bull trout to pass the dam for the first time in nearly a century!

Thompson Falls High Bridge: Stunning views of the Clark Fork River and the dam
Thompson Falls State Park: Camping, fishing, nature trails, and a boat launch
Old Jail Museum: Glimpse into local history and early Sanders County
Thompson Falls Community Trails: Hiking and scenic exploration

Historically: forestry, mining, and the railroad
Today: tourism, small businesses, services, and the Thompson Falls Dam
Sanders County Chamber of Commerce supports local economic and community development

Named for explorer David Thompson, who established a trading post near the falls in 1809
Railroad arrival in 1881 and gold rush in 1883 spurred growth
Townsite platted in 1885, officially established in 1910
Thompson Falls Dam constructed atop the original falls (in operation since 1915)

Spring/Summer: Hiking, fishing, boating, camping, wildlife viewing, family fishing pond
Fall/Winter: Autumn scenery, late-season hiking, Old Jail Museum, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
Annual Events: Cornhole Festival, "Sanders Saleing" county-wide yard sale, and more (see Chamber calendar)

Located in NW Montana on MT Highway 200, county seat of Sanders County
Nearby: Trout Creek, Noxon (west), Plains (east), Cabinet Mountains, Lolo National Forest

Hotels: Find hotels in Thompson Falls on Expedia.
Motels: Find motels in Thompson Falls on Expedia.
Vacation Rentals: Find houses, apartments, and cabins for rent on VRBO.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: Options in and around Thompson Falls, Trout Creek, and the state park