Welcome to Plains, Montana

  • Old Jail

    Photo courtesy: Bill Kuney

Plains, situated along the Clark Fork River, was once called Wildhorse Plains when it served as a wintering place for the Indians and their horses. Later, stockman from as far away as Walla Walla, Washington drove their horses there for the winter, too. Wild horses congregated in great numbers to this protected, open pasture when snow covered many other ranges.(from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)

Nestled between the Cabinet and Little Bitterroot Mountains of Western Montana, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. There are over 2,500 miles of trails in the Lolo National Forest to explore and enjoy. Trails range from the valley bottoms to the tops of the mountains, from urban areas to undisturbed wildlands, and from gentle terrain to the ruggedness of the Northern Rockies.

Koo-Koo-Sint Bighorn Sheep Viewing Site offers visitors an excellent opportunity to see close-up views of bighorn sheep grazing in a meadow. The peak viewing months are November and December, but there's a good chance of seeing bighorns October through May. At the viewing site, six interpretive signs describe the natural history of bighorn sheep, their habitat, and the geology of this Clark Fork River valley.

South of Plains, beginning in Paradise, is the St. Regis-Paradise Scenic Byway "The land, the river and the people" is the theme of the 12 interpretive signs along the beautiful Clark Fork River between Paradise and St. Regis. Along this scenic byway, you can see migratory birds, osprey and even bighorn sheep.

Elevation: 2,468