Holland Falls Trail
Swan Valley, Montana · 4,290 ft
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.
Typical peak
Sep 12 – Sep 20
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunset
Classic view faces W (260°)
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
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.
Color starts around Aug 26.
Light at peak
Holland Falls Trail on September 16, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| 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
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.
Based on the classic composition here facing 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.