Troy, Montana is a rugged mountain town with big scenery and a quiet, local feel. Set along U.S. Highway 2 in Lincoln County, on the banks of the Kootenai River, it sits at Montana’s lowest elevation point and is framed by the Cabinet and Purcell Mountains.
Troy is more than a quiet border town. It is a gateway to roaring waterfalls, ancient cedars, river recreation, and wild beauty without resort town prices.
1. Walking the Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge
At a Glance:
- Location: Kootenai Falls Trailhead, Highway 2, Troy, MT 59935
- Website: Alltrails.com
- Best Time to Visit: May through October, with spring best for peak water flow
- Cost: Free
- Reservations: Not required
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Kootenai Falls is one of the most powerful sights near Troy, and it earns its reputation fast. A short, family friendly trail leads from the parking area down toward the roar of the Kootenai River, where turquoise water rushes through rock and drops with serious force.
Known as Montana’s largest undammed waterfall, the falls feel wild, loud, and refreshing all at once. The nearby swinging bridge adds a small thrill to the visit, stretching across the canyon above fast moving water.
It sways just enough to make people smile, grip the railing, and take a few careful steps. The area is also famous for its film appearances in movies like The River Wild and The Revenant.
For travelers crossing northwest Montana, this stop gives a huge payoff without a long hike, entrance fee, or complicated plan. Bring sturdy shoes and keep close watch on kids near viewpoints.
2. Exploring the Ross Creek Cedar Grove
At a Glance:
- Location: Bull Lake Road and Highway 56, Troy, MT 59935
- Website: Tripadvisor.com
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall, especially June through October
- Cost: Free
- Reservations: Not required
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Ross Creek Cedar Grove feels like a cool secret tucked into northwest Montana. Instead of dry slopes and open pine woods, visitors step into damp shade, soft moss, and giant western red cedars that seem older than memory.
The scenic area covers about 100 acres, with an easy one-mile interpretive loop that works well for families, casual walkers, and anyone who wants nature without a hard climb. Many trees are hundreds of years old, and some grow up to 12 feet across, which feels almost unreal when you stand beside them.
The trail includes signs that explain the plants, wildlife, water, and forest life in simple language. Kids often love peeking into hollow trunks, while adults usually slow down and speak a little quieter. Pair this stop with Bull Lake or Bad Medicine Campground for a peaceful half-day outside Troy. A light jacket helps on cooler shaded afternoons.
3. Playing the Timberbeast Golf Course
At a Glance:
- Location: Callahan Creek Park, Highway 2, Troy, MT 59935
- Website: Pdga.com
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall, mainly May through October
- Cost: Free
- Reservations: Not required
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Timberbeast Golf Course brings a fun local twist to outdoor recreation in Troy. Golf, a Montana term for disc golf, is easy to learn and even easier to enjoy when the setting includes trees, creek edges, and mountain air.
Located inside Callahan Creek Park, this 18 hole course gives players a mix of wooded fairways, small elevation changes, and natural hazards that keep every throw interesting.
Beginners can play without pressure, while experienced players get enough challenge to stay focused. Since the course sits near the Troy Museum and Visitors’ Center, it is simple to play a round and then spend time learning about the town’s past.
Best of all, it is free, which makes it a smart choice for families and road trippers watching their budget. Bring a few discs, wear comfortable shoes, and expect a few branches to steal your best shots along the way.
4. Relaxing at Roosevelt City Park
At a Glance:
- Location: 221 Roosevelt Parkway, Troy, MT 59935
- Website: Rooseveltcity.gov
- Best Time to Visit: Year round, with summer best for river activities
- Cost: Free admission
- Reservations: Not required, though yurt rental needs booking
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Roosevelt City Park is Troy’s favorite place to slow down by the Kootenai River. Set along the western bank, the park gives visitors room to walk, picnic, fish, launch a boat, or let kids burn off energy after a drive on Highway 2.
Families will find a paved walking path, children’s fishing pond, skate park, sports fields, playground areas, and open grass for simple afternoon fun.
In summer, the park becomes one of the town’s main gathering spots, especially during the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, when food vendors, music, fireworks, and neighbors fill the area with small town energy.
Travelers can also look into the riverside yurt rental for a simple overnight stay close to the water. Roosevelt City Park works because it is not fancy. It is useful, scenic, relaxed, and easy to enjoy at your own pace during almost any Troy visit.
5. Rafting and Fly Fishing the Kootenai River
At a Glance:
- Location: Kootenai River access points around Troy, MT 59935
- Website: Americanrivers.org
- Best Time to Visit: June through September
- Cost: Montana fishing license required, usually around $15 to $50 depending on license type; outfitter fees vary
- Reservations: Recommended for guided trips
- Duration: Half day to full day
The Kootenai River gives Troy much of its outdoor character. Wide, cold, and beautiful, the river draws fly fishers, floaters, rafters, and people who just like watching moving water slide past mountain banks.
Anglers come for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish, often with help from local guides who know the best stretches, flies, and seasonal patterns. Guided trips are helpful for visitors who want less guessing and more time casting.
In warmer months, rafting and floating can also be a great way to see the river from a different angle, though conditions should always be checked before launching. The water is cold and strong, so life jackets and good judgment matter.
Bald eagles, canyon views, quiet pools, and fast moving runs all add to the day. Whether you fish or float, the Kootenai gives Troy its most memorable outdoor rhythm in summer.
6. Visiting the Troy Museum and Visitors’ Center
At a Glance:
- Location: 629 E. Missoula Ave, Highway 2, Troy, MT 59935
- Website: Glaciermt.com
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, especially Friday during the farmers market
- Cost: Free
- Reservations: Not required
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
The Troy Museum and Visitors’ Center is a small, friendly stop that helps travelers understand the town beyond its scenery. Located along Highway 2 as you enter from the east, the museum shares stories from Troy’s mining, timber, railroad, and community past.
Inside, volunteer run displays give the place a personal feel, more like a local memory room than a formal attraction. Outside, visitors can see historic railcars and a large carved welcome sign, both worth a quick photo.
The museum also sits close to picnic areas, public restrooms, parking, and the Timberbeast Golf Course, making it easy to add to a relaxed Troy itinerary. If you visit on a summer Friday, the museum lawn often turns into a lively farmers market with local crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, and friendly conversation. It is a simple stop, but it adds meaning to the town.
Where to Eat & Stay
Troy keeps things simple, hearty, and close to the outdoors. After a waterfall walk, river float, or cedar grove visit, you will find easy places to eat, rest, and recharge before the next stop.
Local Eats
Fuel up for your mountain treks or unwind after a day on the Kootenai River at a few local favorites around Troy.
The Silver Spur is a classic Montana restaurant, bar, and casino known for generous portions and filling comfort food. It is a great place to stop when you want a full meal after a long day outside, especially if prime rib or country fried steak sounds like the right kind of reward.
The Main Street Perk is a solid morning stop before heading out toward Kootenai Falls, Ross Creek Cedar Grove, or the river. Visitors can grab specialty lattes, breakfast pizzas, biscuits and gravy, and other quick bites that make an early travel day feel easier.
Halfway House Bar & Grill sits just south of town on Bull Lake Road, making it a handy choice if you are driving toward Bull Lake or Ross Creek Cedars. It is a relaxed spot for burgers, cold drinks, and a casual meal after time in the woods.
Lodging
Whether you want a comfortable mountain cabin or a quiet night under the trees, Troy has a few stay options that fit its rugged, outdoorsy character.
Linehan Outfitting Cabins are beautifully built rustic mountain lodges set close to wild country. They work well for travelers who want a peaceful base near fishing, river trips, and forest roads without giving up comfort.
Bad Medicine Campground is a peaceful U.S. Forest Service campground near Bull Lake. It is a good fit for campers who want a traditional lakeside stay, with easy access to forest scenery, water activities, and the Ross Creek Cedar Grove area.
Conclusion
Troy Montana is a true blue mountain destination where wild water, old forests, small town history, and river recreation sit side by side. It does not need crowded streets, fancy resorts, or high prices to leave a mark. The best Troy days are simple: walk to Kootenai Falls, cross the swinging bridge, stand under giant cedars, play a round of golf, eat something hearty, and watch the Kootenai River roll past town.
That is the appeal. Troy feels unpolished in a way that many travelers still hope to find in Montana. It gives you space to breathe, room to wander, and enough local charm to make a short stop turn into a full day.
Which Troy experience would you try first: crossing the swinging bridge over the Kootenai River, or taking the quiet drive to Ross Creek Cedar Grove?