The Montana Cabin
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The Montana Cabin |
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Tobacco Valley Country 2004/2005 Visitor's Guide Try floating cares away on reservoir or the rivers Human-powered watercraft are becoming more and more popular, offering a quiet, non-disruptive experience on the Tobacco Valley’s many crystal clear, pristine lakes and rivers. Lake Koocanusa takes its names from the river (Kootenai) and land (Canada & USA) from which it was formed. Canoes and kayaks are perfect ways to explore the coastlines and many interesting bays, and even an occasional island on this scenic lake. A pleasant paddle is over to Yarnell Island, just north of Libby Dam. You can launch at Koocanusa Marina, located about five miles north of the dam. It’s only a one mile of so paddle to the islands. Circumnavigate the islands, poking into all the nooks and crannies. (They are actually two islands at high water and one at low water). Then land your craft and stretch your legs a bit. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it on one of the many picnic tables on top of the island. Another journey is to launch at Murray Springs Fish Hatchery and paddle directly north across the bay to the Gateway Boat Camp on the other side. It’s about a 2.5 mile paddle one way, the camp sits on the Canadian border and is accessible only by boat. The Tobacco River is a relatively easy float for canoes, whitewater kayaks and medium sized rafts at normal flows. Log jams are common on this river so it’s important to keep an eye out for these dangers. A convenient place to begin the float is at the city park in Eureka. Below Eureka, midway to the Highway 37 bridge, is a low bridge that requires portage. Between the Highway 37 bridge and the reservoir are numerous campsites. Boating on the ever-fluctuating Kootenai River is popular in the hot summer months. Begin your trip at the campground immediately below the Libby Dam. "Jennings Rapid" is rated as a class III but causes little concern to boaters with moderate maneuvering skills, according to "Floating and Recreating on Montana Rivers" by Curt Thompson. The river flow is dictates by dam releases and fluctuates a lot. Heavy discharges can be dangerous. Updated flow information is available through a telephone recording at (406) 293-3421. Dickey Lake is a scenic lake south of Eureka, situated alongside Highway 93. You can launch at the day use Forest Service area on the south side of the lake or at the Forest Service camping area on the west end. A short trail beginning at the campground leads to a viewing platform with spectacular view of the lake. Murphy Lake is a small, shallow lake but nonetheless a treat to paddle. Launch your boat at the campground off Laughing Creek Road (#7008), a quarter miles north of the Murphy Lake Ranger Station. You’ll likely encounter loons, grebes, herons, bald eagles, ospreys and a sundry of ducks and geese. When the loons are nesting certain areas will be closed off so as not to disturb them. If you like to combine fishing with your excursion try your luck at bass, pike, perch, and sunfish right from your boat. |
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