Western Montana Getaway: Paddle your way to fun on the Clearwater
Canoe Trail map
By DARYL GADBOW of the Missoulian
Picture yourself in a canoe, drifting lazily along a picturesque, meandering stream, lined by lush vegetation, listening to the music of warblers and the laugh of loons, soaking in the bouquet of wildflowers, watching for muskrats, minks, western painted turtles and a fleeting glimpse of a shy white-tailed deer on the shore.
You can put yourself in that idyllic picture by following one of western Montana's most popular "trails."
The Clearwater River Canoe Trail near Seeley Lake offers a leisurely two-hour paddle on a slow-moving stretch of the Clearwater River near Seeley Lake. The trail provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography, birdwatching and sightseeing.
One of the best aspects of the winding 3.5-mile canoe trail is that you can do it without a shuttle, returning to the launch via an easy one-mile hike, and drive back to pick up your canoe at the Seeley Lake Ranger Station.
Liz Dosier, a forestry technician at the station, says she hiked the path along the canoe trail just the other day. It was a little muddy, she says, "but not bad." A variety of wildflowers are blooming along the canoe trail now, Dosier says, including fairyslippers, Oregon grape, shooting stars and more.
"The glacier lilies are about to bloom," she adds, "any day now." On her recent walk, Dosier says she saw a pair of nesting loons, which can be observed without disturbing them from a viewing blind on the canoe trail. She also noted an abundance of Canada geese, grebes and great blue herons. Early morning is usually the best time to see wildlife along the trail. Bring along a pair of binoculars and a field guide to help you identify the numerous species of birds that inhabit the riparian environment.
You might see ospreys, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, yellow warblers, red-necked grebes, loons and a variety of waterfowl. A local bird list is available at the ranger station. Wildlife common in the area include deer, moose, mountain lions, muskrats, beavers and an occasional otter. The fish living in the stream, and in Seeley Lake at the end of the canoe trail, include introduced species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, perch, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Native fish, such as westslope cutthroat and bull trout, are also found there.
There are no rapids on the canoe trail, but be on the lookout for downed trees across the stream. The river empties into the northern end of Seeley Lake.
From the mouth of the river, paddle east to the ranger station and the canoe landing. The trail is suitable for canoes and touring kayaks. Motorized watercraft are allowed, but a no-wake speed limit is in effect for the river portion of the trail.
The foot path leading back to the trailhead is well-marked. Parking for about six vehicles is available at the trailhead at the end of Forest Road 17597 and at the takeout.
Outdoor toilets are provided at both ends of the trail, but drinking water is not available.
If you go: To reach the Clearwater River Canoe Trail, turn west off Highway 83, about 3.7 miles north of the town of Seeley Lake and one mile north of the Seeley Lake Ranger Station, onto Forest Road 17597. There's a sign for the trail on the highway. Drive about 0.7 miles to the trailhead and canoe launch. The takeout can be reached by driving into the ranger station compound. Proceed to the south end of the station, and then east to the lakeshore. For more information, call the ranger station at (406) 677-2233.
