Swan Lake Montana MT

Swan Lake, Montana sits below the beautiful Swan Mountain Range, and offers spectacular scenery, pristine waters and forested mountain landscapes that make an ideal vacation getaway for the whole family.

Overview

Swan Lake, in northwestern Montana, is a remote lake, ten miles long and a mile wide, and far from the hustle and bustle of civilization. Surrounded by lovely forests, the lake offers some premiere outdoor recreational fun.

Location/Directions

Swan Lake is located southwest of Glacier National Park and east of Flathead Lake. From Kalispell, it’s only about 38 miles. You take US 93 to MT 82 to reach MT 83, which runs along the western side of the lake.

Seasons

Although you can get to Swan Lake at any time of year, the summer season is best time to come (from 15 June to 15 September). Shoulder season is from 1 May to 14 June and 16 September to 31 October.

Activities

• Boating, Kayaking and Canoeing
  Boating enthusiasts love the Swan Lake and River, since the serene surroundings are so inviting and wildlife is abundant. Float trips are the best, particularly on the Swan River as if flows through Swan River National Wildlife Refuge. Float tubes on the lake aren’t recommended, as it can get quite windy.
• Camping
  There are numerous campsites all around the edges of Swan Lake so you can enjoy a night out under the stars.
• Hiking
  Hiking close to Swan Lake offers plenty of beautiful sights, and you have many national wilderness areas close by with a large number of trails to explore.
• Whitewater Rafting
  For beginners, the section above Swan Lake is the perfect place to embark on your whitewater adventure. The section below the lake is called the “Wild Mile” and is for experienced boaters only.
• Fishing
  For some great fly-fishing, come to Swan Lake. You’ll find brookies, cutthroat and rainbow trout as well as Kokanee salmon and northern pike.
• Wildlife Viewing
  Be sure to visit Swan River Wildlife Refuge. Here you’ll discover many species of ducks, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and much more. Spot the elusive Black Tern.
• Berry Picking
  Huckleberries go wild come August, so make sure to pull off and get your fill while you can. Swan Lake hosts an annual huckleberry festival that you should be sure to take part in.
• Nordic Skiing
  You’ll find great backcountry Nordic skiing in nearby mountain ranges. The Swan Lake Nordic Trail System has miles and miles of backcountry trails for all level skier and snowshoer.

Additional Info

People have been trying to figure out how Swan Lake got its name. One theory is that it was named for Emmett Swan, who once lived in the valley. The other, and more probable, is that it is named for the trumpeter swans that lived in the area in the late 1800s. Today the swans are absent, but many other birds call this area their home.