Overview

Seeley Lake is part of the Seeley Swan Valley Chain of Lakes that is connected via the Clearwater and Swan Rivers. Match that with the fact that Seeley is tucked between two mountain ranges and what you have is an isolated and pristine wilderness waiting to be explored. This four season recreational oasis is full of adventure. A vacation in Seeley Lake is an experience you won't forget!

Location

Located in western Montana, Seeley Lake is nestled between the Mission and Swan mountain ranges. This outdoor recreation mecca is only a little more than an hour north of Missoula.

Lodging and Services

With almost 1,500 residents, Seeley Lake manages to offer visitors a full range of conveniences. With so many activities at your fingertips, don't plan on spending too much time indoors.

Looking for a place to lay your head, choose from historic to modern, isolated to lakeside, motels to cabins, rental condos to lodges. Don't expect glamour, because what you will find is just some good ole' fashion western charm. Campers and RV folks, there are plenty of campsite options around the lake and just outside of town.

The locals will keep you fed during your stay in Seeley Lake. There may not be an overwhelming number of restaurants to choose from, but the ones that are here are sure to impress. Welcome to carnivore heaven, choose from dry aged steaks, to bison burgers and don't forget the fried chicken. Grab a beer at one of the pubs and cheer on the University of Montana Grizzlies with the locals.

Activities

Summer

• Water sports reign in this area, so jump in for a swim and enjoy a day on the water, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
• The lake may be the main attraction, but don't miss the incredible hiking and biking trails. Keep your eyes open for the many resident birds and other local wildlife. Don't feel like hiking, take a horseback ride up to some amazing scenic vistas.

Winter

• The city doesn't shut down when the temperatures start to fall. While summer recreation may be most popular, winter activities also abound.
• Experience miles of world-class Nordic ski trails as you slowly glide your way under the forested canopy. Looking for something a bit different, take a horse drawn sleigh ride or a guided dog sled ride.
• Snowmobilers will enjoy over 350 miles of groomed trails that wind in and around many of the local mountains. Don't have a snowmobile, hire a guide and enjoy the ride.

Attractions

• Seeley Lake is steeped in history. The Seeley Lake Historical Museum and Visitor's Bureau is a great place to learn about the town's ever evolving history. Located in an old barn, the museum displays old memorabilia focusing on logging, Native Americans, natural resources, artifacts, and old photos.
• What town would be complete without yearly festivals. When in Seeley make sure to check out the following festivals. In the spring, enjoy the Loon & Fish Festival, and in summer don't miss the 4th of July festivities, the Quilt Festival or the annual triathlon. But one of the main events is the Tamarack Festival and Brewfest.
• Tamarack Festival & Brewfest is usually held the first or second weekend of October to celebrate the tamaracks, the only species of coniferous trees that shed their needles. Enjoy the beautiful colors of the trees, art and crafts, food, music, shopping, hiking and much more.

Getting Here

The hour drive from Missoula to Seeley Lake is beautiful. As you leave Missoula, Hwy 200 follows a portion of Blackfoot River. After turning on to MT-83, the scenery just keeps getting better. The forest canopy reaches to the edges of the road, only to open up at multiple lakes dotted along the route.

From Missoula, take I-90 east to MT Hwy 200 east (exit 109). Continue on Hwy 200 for roughly 30 miles and then take a left onto MT-83 north. From here it is a straight shot north to Seeley Lake, which will be on your left.