Drives Montana Missoula, the Bitterroot and Western Montana
Seeley-Swan Highway: Highway 83
MT 83 · Clearwater Junction → Bigfork
The drive
Montana Highway 83 follows a chain of lakes through forested valleys, mostly in the Lolo and Flathead National Forests and the Swan River State Forest. The drive runs north from Clearwater Junction on Highway 200, past Salmon Lake, Seeley Lake and Swan Lake, to Bigfork.
The region is sparsely settled, and the largest communities on the route are Seeley Lake, Condon and Swan Lake. The drive is 88.2 miles and takes about 1 hr 35 min, with steady sweepers rather than tight bends. It ends on the Swan River Road in Bigfork, a little short of MT 35, so it can join the Flathead Lake drives.
Along the way
- Clearwater Junction (Highway 200)
- Seeley Lake
- Swan Lake
- Bigfork (Swan River Road)
Good to know
- Wildlife crossings can happen at any time, and elk near Clearwater Junction are hard to see at night.
- Resurfacing north and south of Swan Lake has brought work zones; check 511 for current ones.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Montana 511 Travel Information.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Seeley-Swan Highway take?
Clearwater Junction to Bigfork on Highway 83 is 88.2 miles and takes about 1 hr 35 min.
Where does Highway 83 start and end?
Highway 83 runs from MT 200 at Clearwater Junction, about 40 miles east of Missoula, north to Bigfork.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.