This Montana Road Trip Takes You From Libby To Eureka Along The Shores Of Lake Koocanusa

Rugged, mountainous, and breathtakingly beautiful, northwest Montana is an underrated treasure. While Glacier National Park offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreation and stunning scenery, it's far from the only gem in that corner of the Treasure State.

The Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway is a short, sweet road trip that takes you from Libby to Eureka (or vice versa). This is one of northwest Montana's best-kept secrets, and it's definitely worth the drive.

The Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway is a paved, 67-mile drive that's perfect for a short getaway.

The road follows Route 37 between Libby and Eureka.

For the vast majority of the route, you'll be driving along the shores of Lake Koocanusa.

There are quite a few scenic viewpoints along the way, so you'll want to allow plenty of time to make the drive. You won't want to miss a thing.

Lake Koocanusa is 90 miles long, and you'll often see people fishing and boating here in the spring and summer.

The lake was formed behind Libby Dam, which was completed in 1974. It was named when the Corps of Engineers conducted a contest to name the lake. The woman who won combined the first three letters from the words Kootenai and Canada, adding USA to create the name Koocanusa.

Lake Koocanusa is also home to the Koocanusa Bridge, which spans its entire length.

At 270 feet high and 2,437 feet long, it's the tallest and longest bridge in the state.

Eureka marks the end of the byway. Luckily, it's the perfect place to stop and explore.

This charming Tobacco Valley town has a brewery, cafes, shops, and the Tobacco Valley Historical Village.

This scenic byway is perfect for exploring a little-known part of northwest Montana. Have you ever been to Lake Koocanusa? While you're in the area, don't miss seeing Kootenai Falls.