Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(pop. 343), and Seeley Lake (pop. 1,659)—are old timber camps that now cater to lake-lov-
ing summer crowds and outdoor enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers.
This is a place to spend lazy lakeside days and cozy fireside evenings, and if lazy isn't
your style, there are mountains in every direction for hiking as well as rivers and lakes for
boating and fishing. For those who want to venture into the
Bob Marshall Wilderness
Area,
this valley is an excellent launching point. If you don't have time to stop and stay
awhile, at least plan to drive this route from the Flathead and places north to Missoula,
Helena, or Bozeman. In fact, the 91-mile stretch of Highway 83 through the Seeley-Swan
Valley is the shortest route between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The scenery
and solitude make the trip worthwhile.
Seeley Lake (population 1,659, elevation 4,028 feet) is clearly a recreation town, and the
lake itself is among the chain of lakes through which the Clearwater River flows. A re-
sort town in the most classic sense—think rustic lodges and lakeside retreats, and cabins
dotting the forest—Seeley Lake is popular but relatively uncrowded. There are plenty of
fish in the lake, including bass, kokanee salmon, bull trout, perch, and bluegills, in addi-
tion to year-round activities that include boating, hiking, excellent cross-country skiing, and
snowmobiling.
Boating
The
Clearwater Canoe Trail
is a 3.5-mile stretch of flatwater that takes paddlers down the
Clearwater River from north of the town of Seeley Lake into the lake itself. A variety of
birds and other wildlife is often seen along the way. A roughly 1-mile hiking trail along-
side the river leads paddlers back to the trailhead parking lot. Canoes and other sporting
equipment, including WaveRunners and ski boats, can be rented from
Seeley Sport Rent-
als
(3112 Hwy. 83 S., 406/677-3680,
www.seeleysportrentals.com
,
canoe $25 for 4 hours,
ski boats $200 for 4 hours).
