Earlier this week, I decided it was time for another adventure. One that would lead to one of Western Montana’s quietest areas: Highway 200. (I’ve shared my love for this region before….read more about it here). For this particular trip, I grabbed one of my favorite road trip buddies and we headed out to explore as much as we could in one day.

And explore we did. We made various stops along the way, including Paradise, Plains, Thompson Falls and Trout Creek.

One of the river put-ins on the Clark Fork River between Dixon and Paradise.
One of the river put-ins on the Clark Fork River between Dixon and Paradise.
The Clark Fork River winds through the aptly named community of Paradise.
The Clark Fork River winds along the aptly named community of Paradise and flows through Plains.

One of the major items on our list: Heather’s Country Cafe. It was recently featured on an episode of Restaurant Impossible on Food Network and since the episode aired, we’ve been jonesing to check it out.

A peek inside Heather's Country Kitchen in Plains.
A peek inside Heather’s Country Kitchen in Plains.

After filling our tummies, we drove to Thompson Falls for a bit of shopping in its cute downtown. Along the way, we saw a herd of bighorn sheep grazing in the fields west of Koo-Koo-Sint Bighorn Sheep Viewing Area.

The Koo-Koo-Sint Bighorn Sheep Viewing Area is about six miles east of Thompson Falls.
The Koo-Koo-Sint Bighorn Sheep Viewing Area is about six miles east of Thompson Falls.
I couldn't resist picking up this locally made bracelet at the Sunflower Gallery in Thompson Falls. The shop has 16 local artists who display their work at the gallery.
I couldn’t resist picking up this locally made bracelet at the Sunflower Gallery in Thompson Falls. The shop has 16 local artists who display their work at the gallery.
Taking in the view in Thompson Falls.
Taking in the view in Thompson Falls.
We also ventured to the Old Jail Museum and were lucky enough to have a sneak peek. The museum officially opens for the season on Memorial Day.
We also ventured to the Old Jail Museum and were lucky enough to have a sneak peek. The museum officially opens for the season on Memorial Day.

After a walk around Thompson Falls, we headed to Trout Creek — one of my favorite small towns in the region.

A mix of spring and winter at Noxon Rapids Reservoir.
A mix of spring and winter at Noxon Rapids Reservoir.

Needless to say, it was a good day.

xo,
TT

March 28, 2014

Related: Clark Fork Corridor, Montana, Spring Fun

Comments

John Kimble
you missed the best par of 200 ie. going east

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