Considered the gateway to Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls is a small town that is growing rapidly as the demand for real estate grows in the Flathead Valley. Columbia Falls is growing due in part to its proximity to Glacier National Park and various recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, golfing and snowmobiling. Historically known as the industrial part of the county, today it is transitioning into a tourism based economy like that of nearby Whitefish. With more affordable housing available, many residents of the valley and newcomers alike are moving to Columbia Falls as the real estate prices in the surrounding areas continue to skyrocket.