Geography and Natural Resources

Mineral County is heavily forested with ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, fir, larch, white pine, and cedar. The county is high in minerals and contains many unpatented mining claims. The majority of the land surface is contained within the Lolo National Forest, providing a stunning natural backdrop and a wealth of recreational opportunities. The Clark Fork River, carrying more water than any other river in Montana, and the St. Regis River are key geographical features.

Recreational Activities

Mineral County offers extensive recreation areas for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and whitewater adventures. The Clark Fork and St. Regis Rivers provide excellent opportunities for trout fishing and other water activities. Winter activities abound in the Superior area, with cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, and ice skating. In recent years, increased recreational use of the land has grown rapidly. Montanans and out-of-state visitors flock to the county for snowmobiling, skiing, horseback riding, hiking, prospecting, fishing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Politics

Mineral County has consistently voted for the Republican Party candidate in national elections since 2000. The county’s political history reflects its diverse and engaged population.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Mineral County was 4,535. The racial makeup of the county is predominantly white, with small percentages of American Indian, Asian, Black or African American, and other races. The county has a rich cultural heritage with significant German, Irish, and English ancestry.

Infrastructure and Access

The county’s infrastructure includes major highways such as Interstate 90, which provides easy access to and from the region. The federal government manages 80.8% of the 782,080 acres of land in Mineral County, while the state of Montana owns 2.8%, and corporate timber and real estate interests hold 8%. This leaves only 5% in private ownership, creating a checkerboard of federal, state, and private land. Rights-of-way across these lands are necessary for many private landowners to access their property, water rights, and grazing rights.