Seeley Clearwater River Canoe Trail

A fun summer water activity is to paddle the Seeley Lake/ Clearwater River Canoe trail.  From Helena take Highway 12 West until you arrive at Avon.  Turn right at Avon, taking Highway 141 past Helmville. Keep on 141 to the next junction, Highway 200.  Turn left as if you were going to Ovando. Keep going to Clearwater Junction, Highway 83.  Continue on 83 past Salmon Lake and through the town of Seeley Lake.  Keep driving past the ranger station, looking for a sign to the canoe trail.  The sign is on your right, the turn is to the left.

The first part of the trail has some tight turns.   As you approach the lake, the river widens and the turns are more gradual.  During the spring, there is more flow, but later in the summer you can see western painted turtles sunning themselves on the logs and rocks. There were also ducks and other water birds.

The trail empties into the north end of Seeley Lake where there are lillypads and sometimes loons. You paddle across the lake to the take-out point. Since it was a little windy when I went, I was glad the wind was at my back.  A direct paddle across the lake would be a difficult one, across deeper water.  Cross winds and head winds are never good with a canoe.

After taking out your canoe, you hike a trail for a mile back to the point where you launched and where your car is parked.  There is a wildlife viewing area along the trail, so you can take your binoculars if you wish to watch wildlife for a while.  This trail is mosquito ridden in the spring and early June, so mosquito repellent may be in order at that time of year.  When you pick up your car, drive to the ranger station.  That is where the canoe take-out point is.

I really enjoyed this float, but was glad we launched early.  It was very busy around noon.