Visit to Seeley Lake and the Lolo National Forest

Yesterday we drove north out of Missoula on Route 200, following the Lewis and Clark trail from 1805, meandering along the Clark Fork River through small towns such as Millworks and Bonner, moving north and east.  Scenery was stunning!  The river rushing by, driving through canyon after canyon, small lakes with homes tucked into them and some homes where you need to take a boat to get to, built on an island in the lake.  Beautiful! Came into Swan Valley and turned north on Route 83 until we came to Seeley Lake.

Wood processing plant in Millworks

Cute little homes - in Millworks

Statue honoring Capt. Clark and his dog  Seaman

Dropped down into Swan Valley

Clark Fork River rushing by

Homes tucked onto island

Look closely - 2 people paddle boarding

The purpose of our drive was to visit with our neighbor Sharon who is work-camping for the summer at a Federal campground within the Lolo National Forest.  Just a stunning area to spend the summer.  I could not stop remarking how beautiful and serene the area was.

We have arrived

Sharon gave us a tour of her campground and the lake area that is a day-use only where swimming and picnicking are done, then a tour the town of Seeley Lake.  At first glance it seems like a small little town with nothing to offer.  Until you look closer and see the many businesses and services provided.  Summer you can rent kayaks, boats, pontoons, skis or ATVs to tool around in, go swimming, fishing, ride your horse, hike, camp, bicycle.  Winter brings cross country skiing, snow boarding, sledding, ice fishing and all that winter sports would allow you to do.  And I was ecstatic - a wonderful quilt shop snugged into the town was fun to browse in.

Flowers just coming out

Oh so serene

Seeley Lake and the swim area

Clear water, snow capped mountains, oh my!

Sharon said this beaver dam is just 2 weeks old

Bear Country

You have to be careful of the wildlife and be very watchful.  Sharon said it is common to look out and see deer grazing right at her RV, she has seen a brown bear snooping around, elk can be spotted, hear wolves howl, eagles flying overhead.  But be very careful of your foodstuffs because bears are commonly spotted all over the town.

Abandoned homestead

One thing that was puzzling - on our way to meet Sharon we passed a large complex that said PAWS UP.  Big wooden gates, signs.  I googled it and wow.  I guess if I had $2000 to spend for one night, I could stay there too.  Seems to be a celebrity hangout.

One of many entrances to PAWS UP