If you haven’t been to, or even heard of, Troy, Montana it’s because it’s a bit off the beaten path in northwestern Montana.
YAAK FALLS
The first time we stayed near Troy we were travelling along Yaak River Road through the Kootenai National Forest (see post here). Just off the road near is a wide cascading water feature, called Yaak Falls. There’s a campground nearby with the same name – both are worth the stop.
BULL LAKE
In 2021, we returned to the Troy area and stayed in a campground on Bull Lake, just 20 miles south of Troy. We took a hike to a gravel beach and spent an afternoon wading in the water and enticing Bailey into her first real swim. We didn’t end up breaking out the pack raft though all types of watercraft are allowed on the lake, if you are able to visit.
ROSS CREEK AND ANCIENT CEDARS STATE PARK
From the Bull Lake Campground, it’s about a 4.5 mile scenic drive (or scenic bike ride, as we did) to Ross Creek where the big Cedar trees are on are on full display.
This “hidden gem” has a level, 2-mile walking trail that is lined with signboards describing the different plants and animals that call this area home. One of particular interest talks about the fungus underneath these big trees that feeds and sustains them, making it an even larger organism than the trees themselves.
KOOTENAI FALLS AND HANGING BRIDGE
Just 6.5 miles southeast of Troy is a parking lot next to the Kootenai river. There are several short trails in this area that are worth hiking. We did two – one that overlooks Kootenai Falls, with its massive flow of water and a second adjoining trail to a hanging bridge that crosses the river. Doug was adventurous enough to walk the length of this bridge. Are you that adventurous?
