Sanders County is located on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains in northwestern Montana. It was established in 1905 and named after Wilbur Fiske Sanders, a prominent figure in Montana’s political history who served as a senator from January 1890 to March 1893.
As of the 2010 census, the population was 11,413. That means the population density of the county is 4.1 inhabitants per sq. mile. So if you are on a quest to find less crowded places to escape the hustle-bustle of city life, Sanders County is exactly what you are looking for.
The 2010 census also precisely determined the county’s boundaries. Sanders County shares borders with Lake County to the east, Mineral County to the south, Shoshone County, Idaho to the west, and Lincoln County to the north.
Sanders County covers a total area of 2,790 sq. miles and a land area of 2,761 sq. miles. It is home to famous Montana towns and cities like Hot Springs, Thompson Falls, Trout Creek, and numerous others. The county is known for the scenic views, hunting and fishing opportunities, water sports, and museums, and shopping. It is situated in a hilly landscape featuring millions of acres of national forest with the gorgeous Clark Fork River running through it.
Visit the Sanders County Government website.
County Towns
- Dixon
- Heron
- Hot Springs
- Lonepine
- Noxon
- Paradise
- Plains
- Thompson Falls
- Trout Creek
Adjacent Counties
Special Events
- June – Hot Springs Homesteaders Day at Hot Springs
- June – Annual Yard Sale at Thompson Falls
- August – Sanders County Fair and Rodeo at Plains
- August – Annual Avista Charity Golf Tournament at Thompson Falls
- August – Annual Big Sky Blues Festival at Noxon
- August – Annual Huckleberry Festival at Trout Creek
Main Attractions
Thompson Falls State Park
Thompson Falls State Park is situated on the banks of Clark Fork River and is a public recreation spot covering 36 acres of land. The place offers everything an outdoor enthusiast can ask for. Here, you can relax in the shade offered by the lush pine trees, pitch a tent, or throw in a line in the river – the options are unlimited!
The park is open to the public from May to September. The many activities offered here include boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, motor boating, and bird watching.
There are a total of 18 campsites which are perfect for solo camping and group camping alike. RV camping sites are also available to visitors. And to ensure that you don’t get cold during the cool summer nights, the camping sites have built-in fire pits.
Thompson Falls State Park is nestled between two of Montana’s most renowned national forests: Kaniksu National Forest and Lolo National Forest. Here you can take long nature walks or indulge in game hunting, but it’s best to check the days and permissible activities for hunting.
Symes Hot Springs and Mineral Baths
Not everyone comes to Sanders County with the intention of exploring the wild; some just want to enjoy a calm and relaxing vacation. And that is why Symes Hot Springs and Mineral Baths have visitors all year round!
You can soak up in the hot tubs or swimming pools available on-site and are guaranteed to feel all your worries wash away. Stay connected with the world by the free Wi-Fi service provided by the hotel. Symes Hot Springs has a restaurant within its premises that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it also features an espresso bar with snacks and beverages so that you don’t have to leave the hotel whenever you feel like munching on something.
Symes Hot Springs and Mineral Baths are located near a local tourist attraction, LaRue Hot Springs Museum. So if you wanna dive into the history of Montana, feel free to pay a visit and discover the artifacts of this old ranching town.