State Hwy. 83 - Montana Epic!
This epic route between Bigfork and Clearwater junction, is a favorite among Glacier tourists.
The great Swan Mountains rise to embrace the Big Sky
Montana state highway 83 begins just north of Bigfork Montana around 45 minutes from Glacier National Park, then runs east for a few miles before heading south between the Mission Mountain Range to the west and the Swan Mountain Range to the east. The Flathead National Forest surrounds this unique drive, hiding unexpected wildlife from the unaware driver. It is a series of long stretches with twistings and sudden turns. It offers sudden grand pull-off areas, that are easily missed, overlooking beautiful mountain lakes.
Heading south from Kalispell towards Condon, the huge rolling Swan Mountains like grizzlies’ shoulders stand off to the east. As one approaches the town of Swan Lake, the fantastic crystal clear Swan Lake itself stretches 8 miles north to south reflecting the tamarack adorned foothills. Just south of Swan Lake a series of turns and twists climbs up through the foothills, the pine forests hiding vehicles just around the bend. If one looks west, they may catch a passing glimpse through some forest clearing of the majestic Mission Mountains. In the early morning and evening, deer and wildlife abound along the highway.
The Swan Mountains near Condon
Past Condon it gets epic! The Swan Mountains rise exceedingly high, forming a sharp crest touching the skies. Heading south look out the right windows, the Mission Mountains, locally known as the American Alps rise rough and jagged. Halfway to Seeley the Clearwater Chain of lakes begins, and numerous small lakes can be glimpsed through the trees. Here the road rises and turns then again descends in a series of twists and straight stretches, which lead to the small mountain town of Seeley Lake. Here you have basically reached the end of the route, but some of the best is yet to come. About 7 minutes out of Seeley is Salmon Lake, surrounded by small mountains. The road runs along the shore before ending 6 miles later at Clearwater junction, among plains and purple mountain majesties.
