The Seeley-Swan Chain of Lakes offers diverse flatwater paddling experiences, connecting several glacial lakes via the Clearwater River.
Put-in / access: Placid Lake State Park (47.1158, -113.5283) or Holland Lake (47.4481, -113.5825)
Difficulty: Flatwater
Mileage: Varies by lake
Season: June through September.
Hazards: Motorboat wakes on Seeley and Salmon lakes.
Permits: State Park entrance fees for vehicles not registered in Montana.
Guided trips: Rentals available in Seeley Lake.
Camping: State Park and Forest Service campgrounds on almost every lake.
- The Seeley-Swan Chain of Lakes offers diverse flatwater paddling experiences, connecting several glacial lakes via the Clearwater River. 2. The Clearwater Canoe Trail, a 3.5-mile stretch near Seeley Lake, is a popular, leisurely paddle through winding channels and wetlands, known for birdwatching. 3. Lake Alva is entirely wake-free, making it ideal for families and known for nesting loons. Swan Lake offers a unique opportunity to explore a wildlife refuge and paddle up the slow-moving Swan River.
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Seeley Lake
- Difficulty: Flatwater/Beginner for most lakes. Clearwater River Canoe Trail is suitable for beginners and families. Swan River to Swan Lake paddle is better for more experienced paddlers, while beginners can paddle up the Swan River from the lake.
- Season: Summer is generally optimal. Placid Lake gets busy in summer, but is great for early season or weekday paddles. Seeley Lake's northern end wetlands are accessible in spring. Salmon Lake State Park campground is open May 1 - Sept 30. Day use areas are open May 1 - Nov 30, weather permitting.
- Mileage: Clearwater Canoe Trail (connecting to Seeley Lake) is 3.5 miles (1-2 hour trip).
- Permits & fees: Salmon Lake State Park: Montana residents with the $9 state parks fee on vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees. Non-residents: $8 day use entrance fee with a vehicle, $4 as a walk-in/bicycle/bus passenger. Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night. Seeley Lake: Most public access points are free; some campgrounds may require fees for parking or day use.
- Hazards: Motorboat traffic on Seeley Lake, Salmon Lake, and Placid Lake, especially during peak season. Wind and waves can be a hazard on all lakes. Cold water temperatures in spring and fall. Log jams and bears on Swan River/Swan Lake. Mountain storms can develop quickly. Store food properly due to bears.
- Guided trips: No specific guided trip providers were found for the Seeley-Swan Chain of Lakes in the provided information.
- Camping: Camping is available at Salmon Lake State Park (24 campsites, including hike-bike sites, open May 1 - Sept 30). Several campgrounds are located around Seeley Lake, including River Point Campground, Seeley Lake Campground, and Big Larch Campground. Placid Lake State Park Campground offers camping. Holland Lake has two Forest Service campgrounds. Swan Lake has a campground across Highway 83 from the day-use area. Confirm current flows, closures, AIS inspections, and land-manager rules before you put in. Cold water and wood hazards kill—this guide is informational, not instruction.