Join loons, elk, and grizzly bears--and only a few human neighbors--with a stay at Placid Lake, Montana. Located less than an hour and a half drive northwest of Missoula, Montana, Placid Lake is off the beaten path in the popular Clearwater Valley. Placid Lake is a popular destination for fishing, sailing, power boating, and water skiing during summer months. Try Placid Lake during the off-season for a quieter escape. Placid Lake is surrounded by forest and within striking distance of two wilderness areas, thousands of acres of National Forest, two dozen lakes, and some of Montana's best river trout fishing. Although it may seem like a world apart, Placid Lake is just 6 miles from restaurants, shops, gear rental, a medical center, and a golf course in Seeley Lake. Looking for a cabin to rent near the lake? Here are four of the best.
Keep the whole extended family happily occupied at "The Placid," a lakeside cabin that feels like home. If kids ever come in from the lake, they will love the rec room, with air hockey and enough games and movies to get them through a rainy day. The cabin sleeps six adults and four children on bunk beds. Pets are welcome too. Take in lake and mountain views with a cup of coffee on the deck and invite the whole gang for a barbeque. A private dock gives you instant access to the lake.
Seeley Swan Vacations, LLC
3166 Hwy. 83 North, Ste. 101
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
(406) 677-6600
seeleyswanvacations.com/placid.html
Make yourself at home in this sunny, inviting cabin on the shores of Placid Lake. A lakeside deck and private dock mean an easy combination of waterside lounging and more active pursuits. Everything is provided at this homey cabin, which is great for a couple or a family with up to four children. There is plenty of space to park your boat trailer or RV. Mountain views of the Bob Marshall Wilderness may make it difficult for you to find a reason to leave the large deck that spans the front of the house. If you absolutely must be in touch with the outside world, you'll find excellent cell phone coverage here.
Placid Lake Cabin Rental
(406) 239-5765
vrbo.com/131354
Settle in for a relaxing retreat at Grey Wolf Ranch, just up the road from Placid Lake. Cub Cabin's four bedrooms and four bathrooms accommodate up to eight people in well-appointed style. Enjoy meals prepared by Grey Wolf's on-site chef, or do your own cooking in the cabin's gourmet kitchen. Pamper yourself in the steam shower and hot tub away the cares of the outside world. During the winter, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile on 300 miles of groomed trails or try your luck ice fishing at Placid and other nearby lakes. When the snow melts, Cub Cabin is your base camp for hiking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, boating, hunting, and other activities the family owners can arrange for you. Or spend your time taking in the peaceful beauty of the ranch. Keep an eye open for the sandhill cranes that make their home in the meadow.
Grey Wolf Ranch
12455 North Placid Lake Rd.
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
(406) 677-0119
greywolfranch.net
Plan your next family reunion at Tamaracks Resort, a quick 15-minute drive from Placid Lake. With cabin accommodations for groups as small as two and as large as 88, Tamaracks offers large-group facilities you can't find on Placid Lake. Seventeen cabins are spread across 16 lakefront acres. Tamaracks offers on-site boat, ski, and ice skate rentals. A private sandy beach on Seeley Lake may lure you away from Placid Lake entirely, but if you still want access to the smaller, quieter lake, use Placid Lake State Park as your access point.
Tamaracks Resort
3481 Highway 83 N.
P.O. Box 812
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
(406) 677-2433
tamaracks.com
