Seeley Lake
Seeley-Swan Valley, Montana · 4,029 ft
Typical peak
Sep 14 – Sep 22
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces E (80°)
Western larch line the Clearwater River channel and the marshy north end of the lake, turning butter-yellow well after the aspen have dropped. From the water you shoot east across the lake to the Swan Range with the larch reflected in the shallows.
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
Park at the Seeley Lake boat launch or the signed Clearwater Canoe Trail lot, both off MT-83 within four miles north of the town of Seeley Lake, and walk under 200 yards to the water.
What turns here
- western larch
- black cottonwood
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 18Typical color progression for Seeley Lake. No change from Aug 11 to Aug 28. First color from Aug 28 to Sep 6. Approaching peak from Sep 6 to Sep 14. Peak from Sep 14 to Sep 22. Past peak from Sep 22 to Oct 2. Bare from Oct 2 to Oct 16.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 28.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 12
3 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
55°F / 37°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
Seeley Lake on September 18, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:44 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 86° | 7:15 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 40 min of low, warm light | 7:55 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:28 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 40 min before sunset | 7:00 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 273° | 7:40 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:11 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 25m · 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: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Sunset: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Classic composition faces E (80°).
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.