Jasper Seeley and his brother Elmer built a
small cabin, in 1881, on what was then called Clearwater
Lake. They settled in a valley between the Mission and
Swan mountain ranges. To the north, the Swan Valley was
settled by pioneers who came to Montana to work in the
forests and to ranch. While the forest industry lasted
for a time, ranching became the permanent lifestyle for
the residents of this long series of valleys, and today
guest ranches and lodges offer superb vacation
experiences.
Seeley Lake sits along State Highway 83, 15 miles
north of Highway 200, about 50 miles northeast of
Missoula. It's a town of 2,000 people, who enjoy the
outdoor life beside their 1025-acre lake. The population
grows to about 4,000 during the summer, when visitors
arrive to hike, fish, ride, and generally enjoy the
beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The chain of lakes along
the Clearwater River offer a range of recreational
activities, including fine fishing.
The Swan Valley also offers much to the
traveler. Holland, Lindberg, and Swan lakes, among
others, offer fishing and camping. The 70-mile Swan River
flows from Lindbergh Lake to Bigfork, where it empties
into Flathead Lake. To the east is the famed Bob Marshall
Wilderness, and you'll find access to "The Bob" along
Highway 83.
What to See & Do
Seeley Lake
Lolo National Forest is found east and west of
Route 88, and the forest provides the focus for
recreation in the region. The ranger district has an
office with information on forest trails and other
attractions, three miles north of Seeley Lake. It's open
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can
buy topographic and trail maps for a small fee. You may
also purchase Camp Stamps, giving discounts at Forest
Service Campgrounds.
This is a perfect area for canoeing and hiking. The
chain of Clearwater lakes offers great paddling. The
Clearwater Canoe Trail provides a short (3-mile)
paddle.The access point is four miles north of Seeley
Lake, on the west side of Highway 83. A short road leads
to the put-in point, and the end of the route is where
the river emptiss into Seeley Lake.
South of town is the Chain of Lakes area, with
a fork of the river linking Placid and Salmon lakes.
Summer fishing is best in early summer and fall, while
ice fishing is good in December through early February.
You'll find trout, kokanee, and bass. Seeley Lake is
stocked with kokanee, and large-mouth bass are also
stocked.
Hiking is a favorite activity of visitors to the
region. There's a hike for everyone here, including
strenuous hikes into the Bob Marshall Wilderness,
as well as short day hikes closer to Seeley Lake. For a
fascinating 2-mile (one-way) walk, go to the Morell
Falls Trail. Designated a National Recreational
Trail, the hike leads to Morrell Falls, a string of
cascades up to 100 feet high. The trailhead is found
north of town, via Cottonwood Lakes Road, and then on
West Morrell Road (FR 467). Then drive seven miless to
Pyramid Pass Rd. and take this road for .25 mile.
Overnight camping is permitted at the trailhead parking
area. A trail map is available from the ranger office.
Cottonwood Lakes Road, which leads to the town of Ovando,
is an excellent route to several outdoor adventures
including Cottonwood Lakes, and a spectacular view
from the Morrell Mountain Lookout.
In winter, Nordic skiing is a popular sport. The
easily-accessible Nordic Ski Trails at Seeley Lake offers
11 miles of groomed trails. The ski center is located a
mile east of the northern edge of town, on Cottonwood
Lakes Road.
Seeley Lake, in summer, is a busy tourist town, where
one can stay in a nearby guest ranch, or relax in a
wilderness lodge after a day in the outdoors. Forest
Service campgrounds are located close to town. You may
also choose to camp in private campgrounds and RV parks
(see below in Where to Stay).
For More Information:
Contact the Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce, at their
little cabin in town, or call (406) 677-2880, or write
P.O. Box 516, Seeley Lake, MT 59868.
Swan Valley
From the town of Condon, north to Bigfork, is an area
that is growing as a vacation destination. The community
of Swan Lake is at the southern tip of the lake with the
same name. Condon is somewhat hard to identify. Its
business district stretches for about ten miles along
Highway 83. This is the place to come for access to "The
Bob," and the Misssion Mountains Wilderness, as
well as many other outdoor adventures.
South of Condon, Holland Lake offers camping,
plus fishing for kokanee, rainbow trout, and bull trout.
Forest roads lead to many stretches of the Swan River,
including the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge,
which has paths for birders to explore the varied
wildlife. The refuge is found near the southern end of
Swan Lake. Lindberg Lake also features camping
(only a few campsites), plus boating.
Metcalf Lake, located on private timber lands,
is found by taking Fatty Creek Road west from Hwy. 83,
for about two miles. S[pecial fishing restrictions
have been imposed for this lake (anglers may keep fish
more than 22 inches long -- artificial lures only).
The town of Swan Lake is known for its fine
fishing, and is a good place to pick up picnic and
camping supplies. The Swan Lake Campground (USFS)
is located just north of the town. It has a day-use area,
west of Hwy. 83, and a campground to the east.
Swan Valley Trails
Glacier Lake Trail is an easy one-mile hike to
the beautiful lake in the Mission Mountains Wilderness.
This is a trail suitable for the whole family, an is open
for walking from mid-June to October. To get there, head
south from Condon for five miless, on Hwy. 83, and then
drive west on Kraft Creek Rd. (FR #561) for 11 miles.
This is a gravel road which has logging traffic during
the week. The trail leads across the creek several times
(on bridges). More adventurous people, including rock
climbers, can move on from this trail to other lakes and
scenic areas. Turquoise Lake is located high above
Glacier Lake.
Hotels & Resorts
