Directions: From Clearwater Junction turn north on Highway 83 and travel approximately 70 miles to the town of Swan Lake.  The forest service facility, boat launch and picnic area is located on the left side of the highway.  The federal campground is on the right side of the highway.

Latitude-Longitude: 47.57.530  /   -113.53.690

Elevation: 3,071 ft.

Lake size: 3,269 acres                                         

Land ownership: forest service, private and Plum Creek Timber.

Facilities: A concrete boat launch, gravel beach, outhouses and parking sites.

Boating regs: Standard boating regulations for the state of Montana.

How to launch: Launch from the boat ramps or gravel beach at the federal day use site.

Description of paddle: This is far and away the largest lake in the Seeley-Swan Valley.  To circumnavigate the entire lake is approximately 20 miles. Private cabins dot the eastern shoreline, but the west side of the lake is relatively pristine.  At the south end of the lake the Swan River flows in from the national wildlife refuge.  Wetlands at this end of the lake provide for potentially good bird watching.

Potential issues: During summer, moderate to strong winds generally come up in the afternoon, and that can make the trip across the lake challenging and potentially dangerous.  Also, summer thunderstorms can bring not only lightening but strong winds on the leading edge of the front. In July and August powerboats ply the lake from about 10 in the morning until dusk, potentially creating rough water conditions.