Population14,062 (2025 estimate)
River Towns Framed by Forested Mountain Views
Sanders County, MontanaExplore Sanders County, Montana, through Thompson Falls, the Clark Fork corridor and communities around Plains and Trout Creek. This guide brings local places and practical public resources together so you can plan an outing, find a service or get to know the area. Start with Thompson Falls, the county seat, then explore the communities and landscapes around it. Follow the linked organizations for current schedules, access details and the information you need before heading out.
County at a Glance
Population14,062 (2025 estimate)
County seatThompson Falls
Largest communityThompson Falls
Established1905
ZIP coverage12
Total area2,789.9 sq mi (land and water; 2020 boundary data)
Major routesMT 200, MT 28
Area code406Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

Sanders County
Sanders County was established in 1905, with Thompson Falls as its county seat. The Clark Fork corridor links towns and wooded mountain landscapes, while railroad and forest-related work helped shape community development. Plains and Trout Creek offer additional perspectives on the county’s river connections and local life. Historic interpretation, public services, agriculture and recreation each contribute to the area’s character. Traveling through the county reveals both a working landscape and a collection of communities whose identities are tied to the rivers and mountains around them.
Residents balance local routines with travel between communities along the river corridor. Thompson Falls provides county offices and services, while Plains and other towns have their own shops, health resources and gathering places. A visitor can combine community history with an outdoor outing, provided seasonal access and fees are checked first. Follow the individual park and business links for current details, and use the county’s public-service resources when planning practical needs. Weather and road conditions are useful checks before any longer trip.
What shapes us
Living Heritage
Discover how river crossings, railroad links and forest-related community development helped shape local identity. Historic places and community organizations offer starting points for understanding the county’s past and its continuing story.
Working Landscapes
Explore the Thompson Falls river setting and nearby state-park recreation alongside the landscapes that support everyday life. Local businesses and outdoor destinations connect the county’s natural setting with practical work and recreation.
Community Connections
Small-town services, local history, river recreation and community events bring residents and visitors into the same local places. Follow current programs and schedules to find opportunities that match your interests and the season.
Sanders County in Pictures
A closer look at local places and landscapes.
TF bounces back from loss
The Lady Hawks hit the road on Thursday, taking on Troy, with the Trojans taking the win in…
Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min readAround Sanders County
Stories from every corner of Sanders County.
TF bounces back from loss
The Lady Hawks hit the road on Thursday, taking on Troy, with the Trojans taking the win in…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Soccer teams stay resilient
The Thompson Falls-Plains-St. Regis soccer teams hit the road first, taking on the Whitefish Bulldogs on Tuesday with…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Whitepine hosts state Granges
National Grange President Chris Hamp, along with members of her staff from the Washington D.C. headquarters, visited Trout…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Alme visits Plains
U.S. Senate candidate Kurt Alme joined Sanders County residents at the Green Room in Plains on Friday for…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Thompson Falls Royalty
Seniors Jesse Buchanan and Addy Deal were voted king and queen at Thompson Falls High...
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min readMeet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Sanders County resources
Find official agencies and useful organizations for everyday needs. Open the relevant resource for current services and contact information.
Government
Schools
Hospitals
Public Safety
Disaster and Emergency Services
Emergency Services
State Parks
Trails
Forest Service lands and trails
Utilities
Montana Public Service Commission
Libraries
Courts
Montana Legal Services Association
DMV
Transportation
Postal Services
Veterans
Montana Department of Military Affairs
Employment
Find your way around Sanders County
Practical answers for residents and visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Start here, then follow the linked organization for current details.
Thompson Falls is the county seat of Sanders County. Start with Sanders County government for department contacts and public services.
The thompson falls river setting and nearby state-park recreation offers a starting point for understanding the area. Browse the local directory and confirm each attraction’s current schedule before visiting.
Thompson Falls, Plains, Trout Creek provide starting points within Sanders County. Each has its own community setting; check local businesses and public resources when planning your route. Follow Sanders County government for public-service connections.
Use Montana 511 for current conditions. Major routes associated with the county include MT 200, MT 28; check the specific route before travel.
Start with Office of Public Instruction and the Office of Public Instruction. Confirm enrollment and attendance boundaries with the relevant school district.
Clark Fork Valley Hospital is a local healthcare starting point. Use the provider’s own site for current locations, services and contact information.
Use Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the land-management links in the resources section. Confirm access, permits, fees and seasonal restrictions for the specific destination.
Sanders County government provides the official starting point for departments, meetings and records. Contact the relevant office to confirm its procedures and opening hours.
Start with Montana Veterans Affairs or VA Montana Health Care for program and location information.
Use MontanaWorks and the Department of Labor & Industry. Check employers directly for current openings and requirements.
Use the Kids’ Fun and Outdoor Fun listings for specific places in Sanders County. Confirm the activity, age suitability, opening schedule and admission directly with the operator before visiting.
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Find something fun
Explore local placesPlan your next stop with these specific local destinations.

