Near the middle of the Seeley-Swan Valley’s chain of lakes, Holland sports a famous lodge and restaurant on its most scenic edge. But a public campground sits a stone’s throw away. And its northern shore holds trailheads suitable for tykes or full horse pack strings.
A couple of small islands along the northeast end of the lake make for intriguing canoeing destinations. Be aware that the lake is also open to motorized watercraft. Paddlers should also stay alert for mountain breezes that can make the return trip a struggle.
While many parts of the Bob Marshall Wilderness were burned in last year’s forest fire season, the Gordon Pass area remained largely unscathed. However, the summer of 2008 is getting a late start, with snow remaining in the pass area several weeks longer than usual.
The goals on Trail 415 include several waterfalls along Holland Creek, with Upper Holland Lake waiting six miles in. Backpackers or hardy day-hikers can make a loop from there up to Sapphire Lake, another steep mile away. After that, it’s mostly downhill on Trail 42 back to the lake and campgrounds. Those wishing to skip most horse traffic might head for Sapphire directly on Trail 42. However, that option involves a 3,000-foot elevation gain over five miles of switchbacks.
Holland Lake lies about 20 miles north of the town of Seeley Lake on Highway 83, making it roughly an hour and a half away from Missoula. The lake appears shortly after you leave the highway, but the trailheads start at a dead end roughly four miles farther east.
Reporter Rob Chaney can be reached at 523-5382 or at rchaney@missoulian.com.
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