Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Montana
12

Montana State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Montana
Glacier Country Region
Swan River State Forest
Western Meadow Lark © stateparks.com
Western Meadow Lark
Oh Yell © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
SWAN RIVER STATE FOREST
SWAN RIVER STATE FOREST
The Swan River State Forest is a breathtaking oasis of natural beauty. Stretching across stunning landscapes, it encompasses lush green forests, meandering rivers, and majestic mountain peaks. Tranquil and serene, the forest invites visitors to immerse themselves in its peaceful ambience, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. With its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species, the Swan River State Forest is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike, providing an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Big Sky Country.
History of the Area
1. Logging Era: The area that is now Swan River State Forest was heavily logged from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Lumber companies, such as the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, were attracted by the abundant stands of western white pine and other valuable tree species.

2. Forest Fires: In the early 1900s, several large forest fires swept through the Swan Valley, causing significant damage to the timber resources. These fires led to the establishment of systematic fire suppression efforts in the region.

3. Conservation Movement: Concerns about the unsustainable logging practices and the need for forest preservation began to gain momentum in the early 1900s. Influential figures like Bob Marshall and Aldo Leopold advocated for the preservation of wildlands and the establishment of protected areas.

4. Swan River Game Preserve: In 1910, the Swan River Game Preserve was created to protect the region's wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, deer, and waterfowl. This marked an important step towards the conservation of the area.

5. Swan Divide Multiple Use Area: In the 1930s, the Swan Divide Multiple Use Area was established by the U.S. Forest Service. This designation recognized the ecological importance of the area while allowing various uses such as logging, hunting, and recreation.

6. State Forest Designation: In 1998, the Montana State Legislature declared the Swan River State Forest as a designated state forest. This move aimed to emphasize sustainable forest management practices, including timber harvests, recreation, and wildlife habitat protection.

7. Conservation Partnerships: Over the years, various conservation organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, have worked collaboratively with state and federal agencies to protect and restore important habitats within the Swan River State Forest.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental



Trails
1. Echo - Lake Trail: This 2. 6-mile trail is a loop that circles around the scenic Echo lake, offering stunning views of Swan Mountain Range and opportunities for bird watching.

2. Holland Falls National Recreation Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike spanning about 3 miles round trip, this path leads to an impressive waterfall with panoramic mountain vistas along the way.

3. Crane Mountain Hiking Route: At approximately five miles long, it's considered strenuous due to its steep incline but rewards hikers with breathtaking summit views over Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park in clear weather conditions.

4. Sixmile Peak Lookout Site Loop Trails: These trails offer varying lengths from three up to eight miles depending on which loops are chosen; they all lead towards spectacular viewpoints at different elevations overlooking Bob Marshall Wilderness Area or Mission Mountains Wilderness area respectively.

5. Swan River Nature Trail: It's a gentle four mile out-and-back trail running alongside Swan river providing beautiful water scenes as well as wildlife spotting possibilities including deer and various birds species.

6. Lindbergh Lake Road Pathway: An easy hiking route stretching nearly six kilometers through dense forests beside Lindbergh lake where one can enjoy fishing or simply soaking in tranquil nature sounds during their journey.

7. Patterson Creek-Mission Dam Historical Interpretive site-Trail No#404: This historical interpretative pathway takes you back into time while exploring remnants of old dam structures amidst lush greenery across roughly two kilometer distance.

8. Birch creek Outdoor Recreational Access Guide (ORAG): This multi-use track provides options for both biking & walking enthusiasts who wish explore Birch creek vicinity spread over seven kilometers length.

9. Swan Front-Salmon Prairie ORAG: Another mixed use recreational access guide covering almost twenty-five kilometres stretch featuring diverse landscapes ranging from meadows, forests upto high altitude peaks.

10. Morrell falls National Recreation Trail: This 5. 4 mile out-and-back trail leads to the stunning Morrell Falls and offers views of various wildlife species, wildflowers, and a serene lake.

11. Bear Creek Overlook: A moderate difficulty level hike that spans about three miles round trip; this path provides an excellent view over Mission Valley along with opportunities for bird watching.

12. Swan River State Forest Loop: An easy-to-moderate looped hiking route covering approximately ten kilometers distance showcasing diverse flora & fauna native to Montana region.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Polson / Flathead Lake KOA Holiday
200 Irvine Flats Road
Polson, MT
406-883-2151

Directions
1. Start by heading north on Highway 83 from Bigfork or south on Highway 83 from Seeley Lake.
2. Look out for signs indicating the entrance to Swan River Road (Forest Service Road #5615).
3. Turn onto Swan River Road and continue driving along this road.
4. After approximately 8 miles, you will come across a junction with Kraft Creek Loop Trailhead signposted; keep left at this junction to stay on Swan River Road (#5615).
5. Continue following the road as it winds through scenic landscapes alongside the river.
6. After about another mile, you'll arrive at an intersection where there's signage directing towards various recreational sites within the state forest: make sure to choose your desired destination based on those indications.

state route ranger badge
Montana
12

Montana State Parks

X