- Region
- Seeley Lake, Montana
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- canoeing, kayaking, hiking
- Best season
- Late spring to fall
- Permits
- No permit or fee is listed by the Forest S…
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service, Lolo National Forest, Seeley Lake Ranger District
Plan with verified data
Clearwater River Canoe Trail trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Water Purification MatrixLake water needs treating — compare filters, chemicals and boiling.
- Layering CalculatorCold water: dress for immersion, not just the air temperature.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- The 10 EssentialsBackcountry safety basics, printable.
Photos of Clearwater River Canoe Trail
How to get there
From the town of Seeley Lake, drive about 4 miles north on Montana Highway 83, turn west at the Clearwater Canoe Trail sign and go about 0.5 mile to the put-in. The take-out is at the Seeley Lake Ranger Station (3583 Highway 83), a short distance from the highway.
- Canoe launch (put-in)
Off Forest Road 17597, about 0.5 mile west of Montana 83 at the Clearwater Canoe Trail sign. Parking for about 6 vehicles, vault toilet, information board with maps.
- Seeley Lake Ranger Station (take-out)
Canoe landing at the north end of Seeley Lake. Loading/unloading area near the water; separate parking with toilet uphill. Start of the 1-mile return trail.
Sources: USDA Forest Service · USDA Forest Service · USDA Forest Service. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Seeley Lake, Montana · United States · Season: Late spring, summer and fall
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
Overview
The Clearwater River Canoe Trail is a short, slow, meandering stretch of the Clearwater River just upstream of Seeley Lake in the Lolo National Forest. The Forest Service rates it Easiest: 3.5 miles with a slight current, about two hours at a leisurely pace. It is one of the most popular trails on the Seeley Lake Ranger District and a good trip for kids.
Loop without a shuttle
You put in off Forest Road 17597 and take out at the Seeley Lake Ranger Station. A return hiking trail of about one mile (around 30 minutes) leads back to the launch along the river and wetlands, so you do not need a second car. There is a wildlife viewing blind on the hiking trail and another at the canoe trailhead.
Wildlife
Early morning is best. The Forest Service lists osprey, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, great blue herons, common loons, red-necked grebes and yellow warblers, plus white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrat, painted turtles and trout.
Know before you go
The last part of the trip crosses the north end of Seeley Lake; stay near shore if the wind is strong. Motorboats may use the river at no-wake speed. Bring life jackets for everyone and your own drinking water, and follow the forest food and wildlife-attractant storage order for bears.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Clearwater River Canoe Trail, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 47.2259, -113.5358
- Latitude (DMS)
- 47° 13′ 33.1″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 113° 32′ 9.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Clearwater River Canoe Trail, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
A gentle 3.5-mile, two-hour paddle through a willow marsh on the Clearwater River, ending at the top of Seeley Lake, Montana.
Key takeaways
- Region: Seeley Lake, Montana
- Country: United States
- Best season: Late spring, summer and fall
- Good for: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Coordinates: 47.226, -113.536
Intended uses
- canoeing
- kayaking
- hiking
- wildlife viewing
- bird watching
Climate suitability
Late spring, summer and fall
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Clearwater River Canoe Trail
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Clearwater River Canoe Trail
Overview
The Clearwater River Canoe Trail is a short, slow, meandering stretch of the Clearwater River just upstream of Seeley Lake in the Lolo National Forest. The Forest Service rates it Easiest: 3.5 miles with a slight current, about two hours at a leisurely pace. It is one of the most popular trails on the Seeley Lake Ranger District and a good trip for kids.
Loop without a shuttle
You put in off Forest Road 17597 and take out at the Seeley Lake Ranger Station. A return hiking trail of about one mile (around 30 minutes) leads back to the launch along the river and wetlands, so you do not need a second car. There is a wildlife viewing blind on the hiking trail and another at the canoe trailhead.
Wildlife
Early morning is best. The Forest Service lists osprey, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, great blue herons, common loons, red-necked grebes and yellow warblers, plus white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrat, painted turtles and trout.
Know before you go
The last part of the trip crosses the north end of Seeley Lake; stay near shore if the wind is strong. Motorboats may use the river at no-wake speed. Bring life jackets for everyone and your own drinking water, and follow the forest food and wildlife-attractant storage order for bears.
Route options
- Canoe trail and walk back3.5 mi paddle + 1 mi walkEasiest
Paddle downstream to the ranger station, then walk the return trail to your car.
- Canoe trail with car shuttle3.5 miEasiest
Leave a second vehicle at the ranger station take-out.
Sample itineraries
- Half-day loop · 1 day
Early-morning launch for wildlife, about 2 hours on the water, stop at the viewing blinds, 30-minute walk back.
Seasonal conditions
Late spring to fall
Roughly May–October
The Forest Service lists late spring, summer and fall as the season of use. Wind can build on Seeley Lake for the final stretch.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Late spring to fall | Roughly May–October | The Forest Service lists late spring, summer and fall as the season of use. Wind can build on Seeley Lake for the final stretch. |
Permits, fees & closures
No permit or fee is listed by the Forest Service for the canoe trail.
Fees: None listed
Official source: Lolo NF Clearwater River Canoe Trail · Verified October 21, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Wind and waves on the north end of Seeley Lake
- Motorboats allowed at no-wake speed
- Bears: follow the food and wildlife-attractant storage order
- No drinking water at either trailhead
What to pack for Clearwater River Canoe Trail
- Life jacket for every paddler
- Canoe or kayak and paddles
- Dry bag
- Drinking water (none at the trailheads)
- Binoculars and a bird guide
- Hiking boots for the return trail
- Layers and rain gear
Clearwater River Canoe Trail FAQ
- How long is the Clearwater Canoe Trail?
- 3.5 miles by canoe, about 2 hours, plus a 1-mile walk back to the launch.
- Do I need a shuttle?
- No. A return hiking trail links the take-out at the Seeley Lake Ranger Station to the put-in.
- Is it good for beginners and kids?
- Yes. The Forest Service rates it Easiest with only a slight current. Stay near shore on Seeley Lake if it is windy.