Walk across the High Bridge – In the early 1900s, those needing
that’s perfect for relaxing on a park bench or watching
to cross the Clark Fork River near Thompson Falls used small boats and
waterfowl on the river. The Power Park Pavilion is also
ferries. As the town grew and construction started on the Thompson Falls
a great place for a picnic. The pavilion was rebuilt in
Dam, these boats were not up to the task of hauling large loads of equip-
2022 after it was destroyed by arson. The new pavil-
ment and materials. In 1911, Sanders County built two bridges to help move
ion offers picnic tables, a sink and outlets. Power Park
people and supplies across the river. The bridges span the river
Explore the Community Trails – After you visit
on either side of Thompson Falls
the High Bridge and picnic in Power Park, continue
Island and were a main transpor-
on to explore the rest of the Thompson Falls Commu-
tation thoroughfare until 1928.
nity Trails. From Power Park, you can follow a trail all
They were closed to use in the
the way to Thompson Falls State Park. North of town,
late 1970s but were restored
you’ll find the Mule Pasture Trail System, which offers
and reopened for pedestrians
2.3 miles of trails.
and cyclists in 2010. Take a walk
Camp, hike, swim or fish – Thompson Falls
from the Gallatin Street Trailhead
State Park sits on the banks of the Clark Fork River
across the Gallatin Street Bridge
and offers a wide variety of activities. There are 18
on to Thompson Falls Island.
campsites to enjoy and a boat launch. You’ll also find
Continue on to the High Bridge,
a fishing pond with an accessible fishing pier, along
located on the south side of
with a new picnic shelter. The park is open March
the island.
through October. fwp.mt.gov/thompson-falls.
Have a picnic at the Power
Browse the aisles of the local hardware store
Park Pavilion – NorthWestern
– There’s nothing like a small-town hardware store,
Energy maintains a public park
and Doug’s True Value Hardware on Main Street
near the Thompson Falls Dam.
offers a little of everything, plus helpful expert advice.
Power Park was once the site
You’ll find everything from power tools to dog food.
of employee housing when the
And if you’re looking for fishing supplies or camping
dam was under construction.
supplies, you’ll find that, too. 901 Main St.
Today, it’s an open piece of land 46 | BRIGHT MAGAZINE Vol. 3
is located on Maiden Lane near Pond Street.
