Overview

Souse Gulch Recreation Area, situated on Lake Koocanusa, is the largest recreation area for the Libby Dam Project, but still offers visitors peace and quiet and plenty of space to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Facilities

Souse Gulch has 3 reservable shelters, all with electric.

Natural Features

Libby Dam was built is 1975 for flood control and power production on the Kootenai River. Behind the dam, Lake Koocanusa stretches 90 miles, 48 miles in the USA and 42 miles in Canda. Today, the popular lake has the added benefit of providing visitors with countless year-round recreation activities.

Recreation

Water sports are the most common activity at the lake, and a boat ramp is open year-round in Souse Gulch. Recreations can also access downstream of the dam at 4 river launches. The nearby Visitor Center offers short films, informational guides, interpretive materials, and a gift shop. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, water skiing and jet skiing. Day users are likely to spot wildlife in the area with bald eagles, osprey, and most commonly, deer. A frisbee golf course is available in Souse Gulch and a second course is located downstream of the dam. A hiking and biking trail downstream of the dam will take visitors along the Kootenai River. Basketball hoops, playgrounds, corn hole boards, picnic tables and more offer plenty of space and recreation opportunities for families, groups of friends or solo visitors looking to get outside.

Nearby Attractions

The Libby Dam Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the dam and the natural features of the area, with tours of the dam given daily during the summer.

Distance from Libby Dam to closest towns:

o   Libby 20 miles

o   Eureka 60 miles

o   Bonners Ferry 70 miles

o   Kalispell 110 miles

Important Notices

• Group shelter reservations: You are responsible for following all regulations posted under the “Need to Know” and “Site Details” sections for each respective shelter. Please read these sections before completing your reservation.

  • The Souse Gulch Shelter is for Day-Use ONLY. Camping is prohibited. The customer who makes the reservation will be the point of contact (POC) for the event and will be held responsible for ensuring the function is conducted in an orderly manner subject to Title 36 and the provisions listed below. Additional conditions of this reservation include:

    • PARKING: Please park in designated areas only. Carpooling is Highly encouraged. The POC shall provide a designated parking person(s) to supervision any overflow parking associated with their prospective group’s parking.

    • CLEAN UP: All picnic facilities shall be left clean upon departure. All trash, litter, or other debris uncovered must be removed and placed in an approved trash receptacle.

    • PETS: Pets are permitted but must be penned, caged, and/or on a lease under six feet in length, or otherwise be physically restrained. Remove and dispose of all pet waste.

    • RESERVATION CONFIRMATION: Upon request of park staff, you must be able to provide proof of your reservation with a printed or digital copy of your confirmation letter.

    • DECORATIONS: Permanent fasteners that are difficult to remove and may damage the shelter CANNOT be used to affix or hand decorations, such as nails, staples, wire, etc. Tape and other easily removable fasteners are encouraged. Reservation holder is responsible for any damages to the facility.

    • ALCOHOL: No alcohol is allowed on the floating platform.

    • BOATS: Boats shall NOT be tied to floating platform.

    • SAFETY: NO climbing and no diving off cliffs. NO climbing and jumping off shelters.

    • HOURS: The shelter will be reserved from 9:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. only, to allow for daily cleaning after 7:00p.m.. The park gates close by 8:00p.m..

  • QUESTIONS: For additional information, please contact (406) 293-7751 ext. 7259

  • Only 50 people and 15 vehicles (shelter1) & 10 vehicles (Shelter 2 & 3) are allowed per reservation. All equipment must remain on the shelter pad. If your event exceeds this capacity or if equipment will not fit in the shelter, please call (406) 293-7751 ext. 7259 to determine if you will need to obtain a special use permit that will assist our staff in supporting your event. The shelters are reserved from 9:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.

Available Activities

• Swimming - Swimming
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Water Sports - Water Sports
• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
• Boating - Boating
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Disc Golf - Disc Golf

Directions

<p>From Montana Highway 47 turn on Forest Service Road 228, then continue approximately 3 miles to the Visitors Center and continue past the boat ramp into the Souse Gulch day use area.</p><p>From Montana Highway 47 turn onto Jennings Hiline Dr, then continue over the David Thomson bridge at the base of the dam. Once you meet up with Forest Service Road 228 turn right to go up the hill to the Visitors Center and continue pas the boat ramp into the Souse Gulch day use area.</p><p>Note: Google maps often suggest the shortest route is taking the Fisher River Cut off road between highway 37 and highway 2. This road is NOT maintained year-round and is an active logging road in a remote area.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: Direct Line to Visitor Center 406-293-5577 Main Line to Vistor Center Extension 406-293-7751 x7259

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip