Explore Montana: Seeley Lake and Surrounding Area Hikes
The Seeley Swan area boasts many of Western Montana’s most beautiful hikes and many are located in about an hour’s drive from Missoula.
Boys Scout Bridge to Seeley Lake
Distance: 1.9 miles out and back
Elevation: Approx. 16 feet
Experience Level: Beginner to Experienced
Dogs: Unleashed (no dogs allowed in winter)
Strollers: Possible but trail is narrow
This trail is a great walk for little ones and beginners. In the spring and early summer, there are plenty of wildflowers and lush greenery and Seeley Lake is beautiful year round. While there is no parking lot, you can park on the side of the road and the Seeley Lake campground is roughly ½ mile past the trailhead.
Clearwater Lake Loop
Distance: .3 miles from trailhead to Clearwater Lake, 2.6 miles around the lake
Elevation: 141 feet
Experience Level: Beginner to Experienced
Dogs: Leashed
Strollers: Possible from trailhead to lake (.3 miles), not recommended on trail around lake
Clearwater Lake Loop is a relatively easy trail and is enjoyed by beginner and experienced hikers alike. The lake is roughly .6 miles from the trailhead and the trail continues around the lake. The hike to Clearwater Lake is a .3 mile gradual downhill trail to the lake and continues on around the lake totaling 2.6 miles. There are plenty of huckleberry bushes along the trail and once you reach the lake, you’ll be welcomed with mountain views and water so clear you can see the bottom of the lake. If you decide to take a dip in the water, be on the lookout for leeches. There are also a number of tent camp spots near the lake shore if you’re looking for a quiet destination to spend the evening.
Morrell Falls
Distance: 5.4 miles out and back
Elevation: 462 feet
Experience Level: Beginner to Experienced
Dogs: Leashed
Strollers: Not recommended
Being rewarded with a 70 foot cascading waterfall makes this hike a visitor and local favorite! The first half mile is relatively flat and then continues on to dense woods with a moderate number of inclines. As you reach one mile, you’ll see Morrell Lake before continuing on to the remaining 1.2 miles to Morrell Falls. The water at the base of Morrell Falls is cold but welcoming on a hot summer day. If you decide its too chilly to dip your toes in, the mist coming from the falls will certainly cool you off.
Holland Lake Falls
Distance: 3.3 miles out and back
Elevation: 485 feet
Experience Level: Beginner to Experienced
Dogs: Leashed
Strollers: Not recommended
From the start of the trailhead, you’ll be impressed with the access and views of Holland Lake. While the first quarter mile or so is flat, you’ll be met with a few inclines as you follow the shoreline of the lake to the base of Holland Falls. About half way, you’ll approach a small bridge and a great resting spot to enjoy the views. As you get closer to the falls, the hike becomes narrow and rocky however the views are breathtaking and the sound of the rushing waterfall motivates you to continue climbing. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be greeted a complete view of Holland Lake and surrounding mountains.
Glacier Lake Trail
Glacier Lake, Crescent Lake, Heart Lake & Turquoise Lake
Distance: Trail is out and back. Distance to lakes are 1.6 miles to Glacier Lake, 3.5 miles to Crescent Lake, 4.3 miles to Heart Lake, and 6.0 miles to Turquoise Lake
Elevation: varies
Experience Level: Beginner to Experienced
Dogs: Leashed
Strollers: Not recommended
The drive to get to this sweet hiking spot will be rewarded with beautiful views of mountains, streams, waterfalls and of course, the lakes. The drive is roughly 10 miles off the main highway on a windy dirt road and once you reach the trailhead, there’s a small parking lot, outhouse and trail map signs. The hiking trail to Glacier Lake is great for beginners with gentle inclines and switchbacks to Glacier Lake however, the trail becomes more strenuous if you continue on to the remaining three lakes. The trail follows Glacier Creek and includes a number of narrow log bridges that cross the creek and its smaller waterfalls along the way. Packing a lunch or plenty of snacks and water are recommended for this hike and bring plenty of bug spray as mosquitoes are often out in full force.
Many intermediate to experienced adventurers enjoy this trail for backcountry camping trips. Camping is prohibited at Glacier Lake but there are a number of spots to pitch a tent at Cresent, Heart and Turquoise lakes. There are also a number of other lakes off the main trail to enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous, the National Park Foundation has a wonderful guide to backcountry hiking and camping.
