Holland Falls Trail
Swan Valley, Montana · 4,290 ft
Typical peak
Sep 12 – Sep 20
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunset
Classic view faces W (260°)
The trail traverses the north shore a few hundred feet above the water, and at the falls you turn around to a view west down the full length of Holland Lake with larch stacked on both sidewalls. Late October strips the cottonwood and leaves the larch alone against dark fir.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Turn east off MT-83 onto Holland Lake Road (Forest Road 44), drive 3.5 miles to the Holland Lake picnic area, then hike 1.5 miles on Holland Falls National Recreation Trail #416.
What turns here
- western larch
- black cottonwood
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 16Typical color progression for Holland Falls Trail. No change from Aug 9 to Aug 26. First color from Aug 26 to Sep 4. Approaching peak from Sep 4 to Sep 12. Peak from Sep 12 to Sep 20. Past peak from Sep 20 to Sep 30. Bare from Sep 30 to Oct 14.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 26.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 12
8 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
55°F / 34°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Holland Falls Trail on September 16, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:42 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 85° | 7:12 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 40 min of low, warm light | 7:53 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:29 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 40 min before sunset | 7:04 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 275° | 7:45 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:15 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 32m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sunrise: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Sunset: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Classic composition faces W (260°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.