Days
<1
Motors Allowed?
No
Difficulty
Easy / Class A
Distance
3.60 mi (5.79 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Forest Service provides a put-in spot on a designated canoe/kayak river trail on the Clearwater River above the inlet to Seeley Lake. This route is flat and unobstructed with fabulously clear water all the way to Seeley Lake. Turtles are plentiful, as are a variety of birds. There are a few alternate channels along the way to explore, with ever-changing views of the surrounding woods and mountains. There are not many places to land a kayak on the river due to overhanging brush and swampy terrain, but the lake has miles of shoreline to explore with lots of beaches and take-out spots. The entire upper 80% of the lakeshore is national forest land with some private leases.

From the put-in, it is about 2.5 miles on the river to the entrance of Seeley Lake. There is a Forest Service take-out about a quarter-mile from the lake inlet. If you'll be renting a boat at the Tamarack Lodge or using their shuttle service, it is another mile to their dock on the east shore of the lake.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Easy paddle with scenic views. Exceptionally clear water. Shuttle available.

Cons

None.

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife

Site characteristics: Water

River

Portage required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Flathead lake + Mission Range, Montana
Flathead lake + Mission Range, Montana
Flathead lake + Mission Range, Montana

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Flathead lake + Mission Range, Montana
Flathead lake + Mission Range, Montana
Flathead lake + Mission Range, Montana

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