4540 Highway 200 | 5 Miles West of Thompson Falls, Montana 59873 | 406.827.9827

Thompson Falls was named after David Thompson, geographer and trader, who established the Saleesh House here in 1809. The Saleesh House was used until the 1820s rather sporadically and usually only by employees. Nothing exists of the Saleesh House today. The inhabitants of Thompson Falls felt they were being neglected by the Northern Pacific Railroad, so they decided to get attention for themselves. By piling logs on the railway, forcing the train to stop. The townspeople then boarded the train and persuaded the passengers to settle in Thompson Falls.

Thompson Falls sits on the scenic Clark Fork River and is also named for the river’s natural falls. You can enjoy this setting at Thompson Falls State Park. Visit other attractions in the area including the Historic Jail Museum, Wild Goose Landing Park and Recreation Center, Bighorn Sheep Viewing Station and the scenic Blue Slide area. Elevation: 2,419 feet. Scroll down for more info.

Thompson Falls History
David Thompson, the British explorer, fur trader, and cartographer was the first white man to come to this area. Associated with the Hudson's Bay Company, he built the Saleesh house, a fur trading post in 1809. The Post was located east of the present day town site. David Thompson was called the Koo Koo Sint (star gazer) by the Indians. There wasn't much activity in the area until the coming of the railroad in 1881. One of the crew stayed behind and built the first home within the present town site. Soon after in 1883, the gold rush hit Couer D'Alene mines came and the town grew to accommodate the men going over the Murray trail to the mines. In 1885 John Russell bought 40 acres and platted the townsite. Both the town and the falls were named after David Thompson.