Seeley Lake, MT
Established- 1881
Population- 1,331
Elevation- 4,127′
Seeley Lake, Montana, traces its roots back to 1881 when Jasper B. Seely built a cabin on what was then called Clearwater Lake, eventually becoming the first ranger in the Lewis and Clark Forest Reserve. Logging quickly became the backbone of the community, with the first major timber sale taking place in 1892, shaping the economy and landscape for decades. Over time, particularly after World War II, the area’s natural beauty and abundance of wildlife also fostered the growth of tourism and recreation, leading to the establishment of vacation cottages and dude ranches. Today, living in Seeley Lake offers a quintessential Montana experience, characterized by a strong sense of community and an intimate connection to the outdoors. Residents, many of whom are retirees, enjoy a rural lifestyle with easy access to the stunning 1,030-acre Seeley Lake, the surrounding Clearwater River Valley, and the majestic Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges, providing endless opportunities for fishing, hiking, boating, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing amidst a backdrop of vast national forests.