One story is that when the Great Northern Highline was built the town of Columbia was proposed as a division point, but when property owners demanded exorbitant prices for land, Jim Hill rechristened the town Columbia Falls and the new town of Whitefish was made division headquarters. The town had been platted on a scale that proved too generous when it failed to get the railroad division point. Excellent sidewalks extend some distance beyond the built-up area. J. P. Rowe says that the townsite was originally planned for a place near a falls in the Flathead River, which is part of the headwaters for the Columbia River-hence the name Columbia Falls. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)Columbia is a community of about 3,700 people located just 18 miles south of West Glacier. Not only is Columbia Falls "The Gateway to Glacier National Park", it is the pathway to a rustic and scenic alternative route to GNP at the Camas Creek Park Entrance. County Road 486, also called the North Fork Road, follows along the North Fork of the Flathead River. This river is the Western boundary of the park and has been designated a Wild and Scenic River. It is about 20 miles to Camas Creek Park entrance. Columbia Falls offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including one of the most beautiful golf courses in the area, Meadowlake Golf Resort. The Big Sky Waterslide Park provides a fun-filled day for the entire family in the summer, and miles of groomed snowmobiling trails provide a winter playground for the family during the winter months. Columbia Falls and the surrounding areas also offer numerous camping opportunities. Whether you prefer "roughing it" in a tent, or desire all the amenities of your RV, Columbia Falls area will be a terrific area to start your vacation. And if you are looking for fly fishing, whitewater or a scenic float, Columbia Falls is just the place. It is the gateway to the to the Flathead Rivers, part of the Nation's Wild and Scenic River System. With over 225 miles of river to choose from there is something for everyone. As in the past, Columbia Falls is still home to a variety of industrial businesses, including the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, Plum Creek Timber Company and Stoltze Land and Lumber. The residents here pride themselves in maintaining a small town atmosphere and a sense of community spirit.
