Seeley Lake Ranger Station

The Seeley Lake Ranger District is almost 350,000 acres rich in scenic beauty and history. Seeley Lake is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Missoula and its population is approximately 2500. Seeley Lake lies in a heavily forested valley 4000 feet in elevation, bordered by the Swan Mountain range to the east and the Mission Mountains range to the west. Seeley Lake is nestled between the Bob Marshall and the Mission Mountain Wilderness areas.

Folks in Montana refer to this region as the Seeley-Swan Valley. This main valley is 80-miles long and Highway 83 connects its small, rural communities. Highway 83 connects to Highway 200 on the south end and Highway 35 is on the north end. The Clearwater River flows south through a glacially formed chain of lakes and into the Blackfoot River. Seeley Lake is one of these lakes. The Swan River flows north through Swan Lake to the Flathead River.

The area provides ample opportunity for diverse four-season recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Because of its unique setting and remarkable features, the district attracts people throughout Montana, nearby states, and Canadian provinces. Consequently, the District manages a large recreation program. Numerous recreation residences and resorts under permit are located on National Forest Lands surrounding Seeley Lake.

If boating, swimming or camping is your pleasure; then you’ll enjoy the “Chain of Lakes” in the Clearwater Valley.  Average snow “on the ground” measures about three feet at Seeley Lake during the peak of winter season.  Total precipitation for the annual year is approximately 20 inches.