Approaching Island Park, Thompson Falls, Montana

Island Park is a popular public park located within the Clark Fork River at Thompson Falls.  As the name implies, it is literally on an island.   The park is popular for family activities and community events, like summer concerts and the Fourth of July fireworks.

The map below provides an overview of the park aspects we’ll be discussing in this post.

The island is accessible four different ways although only the later two are available to the general population.

1. Across a dam on the east side of Island Park at the historic site of Thompson Falls.  During our visit, the dam was being repaired, so the water was being diverted around this spot.
   

   

2) Across a hydroelectric dam/plant on the west side of the island.

3) From downtown on the north side of Island Park, you can access Island Park via the Gallatin Street Bridge

4) The most famous bridge is on the south side of the island, and was featured as last weekend’s One Clue Mystery.  As usual, it was recognized by ace travel sleuth, George G.  Congratulations as always, George!

The bridge is a single-span steel through-truss bridge originally built in 1911 and is about 250 feet long. The bridge functioned as the main road over the Clark Fork river in Thompson Falls until 1968, when a new concrete bridge opened, after which this was converted to a pedestrian only bridge.  In 2017–2018 the bridge underwent a major rehabilitation project – the entire deck was replaced, the truss was sandblasted and repainted, and new LED lighting was installed, all at a cost of around $1.2 million.

The bridge offers great views up and down the Clark Fork River.  In summer, kids (and adults) jump off the middle of the bridge into a deep pool below – a popular local tradition.  The bridge is a favorite spot for weddings and fishing.