Seeley Lake
Seeley-Swan Valley, Montana · 4,029 ft
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.
Typical peak
Sep 14 – Sep 22
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces E (80°)
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
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.
Color starts around Aug 28.
Light at peak
Seeley Lake on September 18, 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 | 6:44 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
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.
Based on the classic composition here facing 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.