Nestled in Montana’s northwestern corner along the Montana-Idaho state border, Noxon is a small community in Sanders County known for its huckleberry harvesting and forest cover mountains historically used for trapping, logging, and mining.
Established in 1883 as a Northern Pacific Railway Station, Noxon, MT, quickly grew as an important logging and mining industry. Then, in 1955, the Noxon Rapids Dam was constructed, reshaping the Clark Fork River and its nearby communities.
Guide to Noxon, Montana
Between the Noxon Rapids Dam and Cabinet Gorge Dam located further down the river, Noxon is perhaps best known for its monumental water barriers and logging industry. However, the region has also become a popular tourist destination and is world-renowned for its huckleberry harvesting and pristine hunting conditions.
Main Attractions
Ross Ancient Cedars State Park
Tucked away in the Kootenai National Forest about 26 miles North of Noxon, the Ross Ancient Cedars State Park spans approximately 100 acres across Montana’s countryside and features some of the oldest trees in the state.
Dating up to 100 years old, the historic western red cedar grove includes trees that reach well over 175 high and over 8 feet in diameter, creating thick canopies that shade the crackling Ross Creek, which weaves its way through the park.
The State Park maintains a 0.9-mile loop trail that guides visitors through the ecology and history of the region through a series of informational signs.
Along the route, guests will learn about the unique flora and fauna that preside in the area while exploring the distinctive habitation that the grove provides.
Berray Mountain Lookout
Located in the mountains just North of Noxon, the Berray Mountain Lookout was initially built in 1965 and remained in operation until 1973 for the use of fire detection in the area. Today, the tower remains primarily abandoned, although restoration efforts are currently being made to preserve the monument.
While it is no longer used to monitor wildfires in Sanders County, the Berray Mountain Lookout still offers some of the best-unobstructed views of the Cabinet Mountains and surrounding landscapes and is a famous landmark for hikers in the region.
While there are several ways to do the hike, the easiest is by taking the Berray Mountain West Trail. From here, the walk is only about 2 miles to the lookout tower and guides visitors through the forested mountains and along fields of waste-high wildflowers.
Alternatively, hikers can take the traditional 10.9-mile out-and-back trail starting from the trailhead just north of Noxon. While this is the more difficult option and features an additional 2,500 feet of elevation gain, it is also more rewarding and offers plenty of fantastic views along the way.
Regardless of your route to the landmark, the Berray Mountain Lookout is one of the top attractions near Noxon and is a must-visit within the region for observing the full beauties of Sanders County’s majestic landscapes.
Noxon Rapids Dam
