WN Hiking Series: Short stroll to waterfall

A hike along the Little North Fork Falls Nature Trail in Kootenai National Forest’s Rexford District does not require boots, sticks or even water. In fact, the hike probably could easily be called a stroll over its route of one-fourth of a mile.

With a trip to the Rexford Bench beach in the weekend plans and our teenage daughter along in her flip-flops, we opted for a very easy side hike that promised a nice waterfall.

The Little North Fork Falls Nature Trail is identified as the Big Creek Trail No. 248 in the Rexford District’s trail guide. From Libby, take Highway 37 north to Libby Dam and cross over onto Forest Road 228 (west side of the river and lake). Approximately 52 miles from Libby, you’ll come across Big Creek Road No. 336. Head down the road for 1.7 miles to the trailhead, which is located near a bridge over the creek and a developed parking lot with restrooms.

The trail starts out on the east side of the creek with several different types of trees along the way, including cottonwood, maple, dogwood, alder and birch trees. A couple of spots offer up-close looks at seeping springs and the moss and ferns that thrive in those conditions.

Visitors will soon come upon steps that lead up to a wooden bridge over the creek. The trail ends on the other side with Little North Fork Falls.

The nature hike features several interpretive signs to educate visitors about the surroundings. Benches are also found in a couple of spots along the way as well as near the end at the falls.

After the visit, you could continue on down the highway, cross the Koocanusa Bridge and head toward Rexford and Eureka, or drive back down to Libby. We stopped at the Rexford Bench beach to cool off in the hot temperatures with a dip in the lake.

Little North Fork Falls Nature Trail

Location: Kootenai National Forest, Rexford District

USFS Trail No.: 248

How to Get There: From Libby, drive 52 miles up Highway 37 and Forest Development Road 228 (cross over near Libby Dam). Take a left onto Big Creek Road and continue for 1.7 miles to the trailhead.

Round-Trip Distance: 0.5 mile

Difficulty: Easy