Page 46 - Flathead Living Fall 2014

FIVE ROAD TRIPS FOR FALL
IDAHO
yAAK
TROy
2
LIBBy
Yaak River Falls along Yaak River Road.
yaaK
➡ U.s. HigHWaY 2 West
N
5 mi.
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n conveRSation, thiS Remote
region is given the mythical treat- ment, its name accompanied by a definitive article: “The Yaak.”
The Trip
From the Flathead, take U.S. Highway 2 West to Libby, a scenic, lake-filled stretch in its own right. In Libby, cut north via California Avenue, crossing the Kootenai River. Then turn left at the sign for “Yaak” onto Pipe Creek Road, which eventually becomes South Fork Road.
The paved road winds its way through a diverse ecosystem of assorted coniferous and decidu- ous trees that form layered canopies from the densely vegetated ground up to towering crowns above. The road gets narrow and curvy but traf- fic remains two-way, so we wouldn’t recommend large campers or RVs.
Altogether, it’s 37 miles from Libby to the community of Yaak, but it takes around an hour because of the winding road. Once you reach the small village, stop by the mer- cantile to resupply, or grab a bever- age and bite to eat at either the Dirty Shame Saloon or Yaak River Tavern.
From there, you begin veering south- west along Yaak River Road on a round- about path back to Libby. This stretch follows the Yaak River. There are var- ious pullouts before the intersection with Highway 2, but the one can’t-
miss stop is the Yaak River Falls, where the river tumbles over thick sheets of stone into bubbling pools below.
At Highway 2, turn left toward Troy and Libby. Along the way, you’ll get birds-eye views of the Kootenai River. A popular attraction is the Kootenai Falls and its swinging bridge, which pro- vides breathtaking overlooks of the falls and walking access across the river.
On your way back to the Flathead, you might reflect on the journey and wonder why you hadn’t made it before, when all along it’s been right outside your back door but seemed so much farther, exist- ing only in other people’s stories until you finally decided to tell your own.
It’s tucked away in the farthest reaches of Northwest Montana, home to rugged people who have earned that definitive article in their name simply by living there year round.
But to understand why they stay, all you need to do is visit and look around. Even in the context of Northwest Montana’s overall beauty, the Yaak stands out as particu- larly stunning. And yet, despite its close proximity, it’s surprising how few Flathead residents make the journey. It might be mythical, but it’s just around the corner. Go check it out.
TO KALISPELL
44 FLATHEAD LIVING | FALL 2014
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PHOTOS BY LIDO VIZZUTTI