Sanders County, Montana
Sanders County is located in Northwestern Montana and borders the Idaho’s Panhandle. Sanders is part of the mountainous western third of Montana and lies the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Established in 1905 and named after Wilbur Fisk Sanders, Sanders County boasts incredible views, rugged mountains and several breathtaking Rivers.
The Clark Fork River flows through the length of the valley at the base of the Courd A’lene Mountains and creates the valley between them and the Cabinet Mountains. The River begins in Silver Bow Creek in Southwest Montana and flows through several counties to the Idaho Border and ultimately into the Columbia River. It, and its tributaries are among the popular destinations for fly fishing. Locals and tourist alike enjoy floating down the Clark Fork along with rafting and kayaking.
Near the Idaho Border, stretching from Trout Creek, MT to Noxon, MT, is the Noxon Reservoir. Noxon Reservoir is roughly 6,010 acres and home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike. The Trout Creek boat launch ramp is open to the public during the warm season. There is no marina or rental boats at the lake.
Sanders County residents enjoy the sounds and sights of a variety of birds and other wildlife. Over 260 different species have been reported throughout the county. The Tufted duck has been observed along the Bull River and Bald Eagles can be spotted throughout the Sanders County. The Rough-skinned Newt, flourishes in Thompson Falls, separate from the remainder population of this species. A drive through the county is almost sure to give you sightings of Magpie, Canadian Geese, Red-tailed Hawks, Mallards, Crows, Ravens, Swallows, Starlings, Robins, Finches, Sparrows and Owls, to name a few.
Sanders County is considered a “destination hunting locale” with trophy White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Elk, Shiras Moose, Mountain Goat and Bighorn Sheep. Local hunting also includes Black Bear, Cougar and Wolves. Whether you hire an outfitter, or head up to Lolo National Forest, there is plenty of wildlife for the experienced hunter. Grizzly Bears have also been spotted in the area but remain on the endangered species list so hunting them is prohibited.
Douglas fir/Ponderosa pine cover much of Sanders County, but given the numerous micro-climates in the County, there are many other conifers present as well. A trip through Sanders down Hwy 200, will likely give you the opportunity to spot Western red cedar, Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock, White Spruce, Subalpine Fir, Grand Fir, Western White Pine, Lodgepole Pine and one of the most spectacular, Western larch. That route, while drive in the autumn will delight you with the view of deciduous conifers turning gold before dropping their needles.
