Seeley Lake Wildlife Viewing Blind
A short hike to a wildlife viewing blind in the wetlands
The Seeley Lake Wildlife Viewing Blind is a .3 mile hike up the Clearwater Canoe Trail to a small wooden structure that overlooks the wetlands on the north side of Seeley Lake.
Features: According to fs.usda.gov, wildlife sightings may include: "osprey, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, common loons, red-necked grebes, yellow warblers, and a variety of other ducks and birds. Mammals common to the river environment include white-tailed deer, moose, mountain lion, mink, muskrat, beaver, and an occasional otter." Early morning is recommended for the best chance of observing wildlife.
Accessibility info and site description: In Seeley Lake, turn west at the signs for the Seeley Lake Ranger Station. Drive straight past the station and on the right there will be a small gravel parking lot, public restroom, and a large sign. Park here and head 300 feet toward the canoe landing near the water, where you'll find the viewing blind trailhead marked with a sign on the right.
The trail starts as a very narrow and partially washed out game trail through the grass. There is a footbridge just over two feet wide and a six inch step off the ground that goes over a small creek. The narrow trail continues through a field behind the ranger station before entering a wooded area. The trail through the woods is a little wider at roughly three feet, made of dirt, and covered with pine needles and occasionally sticks. There are several gradual hills up and down, and no major obstacles like large rocks, logs, or tree roots.
After .3 mile, there is a binoculars sign that points to the wildlife viewing blind on the left. Next to the blind is an educational sign that describes the wetlands. The wooden viewing blind is a bit old, creaky, with some sections that bow when stepped on. There are 15 rectangular viewing holes at varying heights that overlook the wetlands with mountain views in the distance.
My experience: I couldn't find much information on this location beforehand, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was so happy to come around the bend to see the spectacular view from the viewing blind! It's a picturesque landscape, and you never know what critters might wander through the wetlands. The variety of birds singing and chirping really adds to the ambience.
Unfortunately, the bird noises are accompanied by road noise, because the highway is only about 500 feet away from the viewing blind and the entire hiking trail. Additionally, the wooden boards feel unstable in some spots and while it held mine and my husband's combined weight (400+ pounds), it made me nervous the whole time. Throughout the hike, the majority of the trees are marked with blue spray paint, ropes, or yellow signs, and it's kind of depressing to walk through. This spot is definitely worth checking out, just be aware that it is not an escape into pristine wilderness.
Overall, the Seeley Lake wildlife viewing blind is a great opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography. Bring your binoculars and take a short hike to this beautiful view of the wetlands!
For more information, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=10328&actid=62
