w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m
19
and presence combined with the virtually untouched wildness
around us help transport us to an earlier time.
We paddle casually and haven't noticed the passage of time in
this serene place so are surprised when the curtain seems to open
and we enter Seeley Lake through a garden of lily pads.
Other groups are close behind so we pull in the backwater of
the lake to let them pass. In the distance we hear the ah-whoo
of a loon. And then another loon surfaces nearby. His beak
does that peculiar clapping motion as he calls back. We wait
quietly thinking he will swim away, but after splashing across
the surface of the water he turns in our direction again. Shortly
afterwards we discover why—two gray chicks appear out of the
lilies. We paddle quietly along the shoreline, trying to avoid the
path of the loons, knowing it is time to leave. After all, we are
just privileged visitors to this magical and wild place.
CLEARWATER RIVER
CANOE TRAIL INFORMATION
e canoe trail is located just off Hwy 83 in the Swan Valley.
Traveling on Hwy 83 go 18.7 miles north of Clearwater Junc-
tion and approximately 3.7 miles north of the town of Seeley
Lake where you turn at the Clearwater River Canoe Trail sign
found on the west side of the highway and take the gravel Forest
Service Road # 17597 for .7 miles to reach the boat launch site.
e take-out point is located three miles north of Seeley Lake
near mile marker 18 at the Ranger Station Compound. Con-
tinue driving to the south end of the station and then continue
down to the lakeshore and takeout point, which is a loading area
only. ere is parking near the vault toilet located above this site.
Wyatt's first time
Great Blue Heron
Canine companion
C L E A R W A T E R R I V E R
C A N O E T R A I L
CONTINUED
