TV channels & antenna towers in Columbia Falls, Montana
Columbia Falls has 56 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS and NBC. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K10LH-D, 11 miles to the ENE.
Network channels in Columbia Falls
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKTMF-LDABC | 23 | 16 mi | 210° SSW | Fair | Kalispell, MT |
| NBCKCFW-TVNBC | 9 | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Fair | Kalispell, MT |
| CBSKAJJ-CDCBS | 18 | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Fair | Kalispell, MT |
Over-the-air TV in Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls, Montana has a population of about 5,090. There are 56 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 2 full-power, 1 Class A, 8 low-power and 45 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 17 transmitters are within 25 miles, 14 between 25 and 45 miles, and 25 farther out. Three of the 3 network stations in range are licensed to Kalispell, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Kalispell's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 23 (KTMF-LD), CBS on channel 18 (KAJJ-CD) and NBC on channel 9 (KCFW-TV). No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KAYU-TV in Spokane, WA, 154 miles to the west. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Columbia Falls
Point your antenna SSW, at about 199°. The main network towers for Columbia Falls sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KCFW-TV and KAJJ-CD, transmit from the same tower site about 26 miles south of Columbia Falls (199° SSW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Columbia Falls, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Columbia Falls
The farthest main network tower for Columbia Falls is KCFW-TV (NBC), 26 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Columbia Falls
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 53; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K10LH-DTranslator | 11 mi | 67° ENE | Poor | West Glacier, Etc., MT |
| K12LU-DTranslator | 11 mi | 67° ENE | Poor | West Glacier, Etc, MT |
| K07IT-DTranslator | 11 mi | 67° ENE | Poor | West Glacier, Etc., MT |
| K05FC-DTranslator | 11 mi | 67° ENE | Poor | Lake McDonald, MT |
| KEXI-LDLow power | 16 mi | 210° SSW | Weak | Kalispell, MT |
| K26DD-DLow power | 16 mi | 210° SSW | Fair | Kalispell, MT |
| K34MJ-DLow power | 16 mi | 210° SSW | Fair | Kalispell, MT |
| K12LO-DLow power | 22 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Ferndale, MT |
| K24ID-DTranslator | 22 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Ferndale, MT |
| K33OH-DTranslator | 22 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Ferndale, Etc, MT |
| K05MW-DTranslator | 22 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Ferndale, MT |
| K14NI-DTranslator | 22 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Ferndale, MT |
| K21KA-DTranslator | 22 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Ferndale, MT |
| K22MG-DTranslator | 25 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Woods Bay, MT |
| K07EN-DTranslator | 25 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Woodsbay, Lakeside, MT |
| K11KE-DTranslator | 25 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Woods Bay, MT |
| KUKL-TVFull power | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Fair | Kalispell, MT |
| K31PD-DTranslator | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Fair | Whitefish, Etc., MT |
| K28OG-DTranslator | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Weak | Kalispell & Lakeside, MT |
| K02RJ-DTranslator | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Poor | Kalispell & Lakeside, MT |
| K32HH-DTranslator | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Weak | Kalispell, MT |
| K19GD-DTranslator | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Weak | Kalispell & Lakeside, MT |
| K30PT-DTranslator | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Weak | Kalispell & Lakeside, MT |
| K25KZ-DLow power | 26 mi | 199° SSW | Weak | Kalispell, MT |
| K36KR-DTranslator | 39 mi | 189° S | Poor | Elmo, Big Arm, MT |
How Columbia Falls compares with the rest of Montana
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Columbia Falls ranks 29th of 104 places in Montana: more than the typical Montana town (5). Its nearest major network tower is 16 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
32% of Montana's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Kalispell, 14 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Columbia Falls: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 199° SSW, the direction of KCFW-TV (NBC), 26 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 7 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Columbia Falls, MT?
ABC is on channel 23 from KTMF-LD, broadcasting from 16 miles SSW of Columbia Falls. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Columbia Falls, MT?
CBS is on channel 18 from KAJJ-CD, broadcasting from 26 miles SSW of Columbia Falls. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Columbia Falls, MT?
NBC is on channel 9 from KCFW-TV, broadcasting from 26 miles SSW of Columbia Falls. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Columbia Falls?
56 transmitters within 70 miles of Columbia Falls; around 7 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Columbia Falls?
Point your antenna SSW, at about 199°. The main network towers for Columbia Falls sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Columbia Falls?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Columbia Falls?
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Columbia Falls?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Montana cities
More: all TV stations in Montana · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Columbia Falls; signal estimates ignore terrain.