Overview
No discussion, or climb, involving Western Montana's Swan Range goes far without mention—or sighting—of "The Bob," the Mission Range to the west, or the beautiful Seeley-Swan Valley in between. The Swans are in both the Flathead and Lolo National Forests, and run approximately a hundred miles north and south—the northern point being immediately south of Columbia Falls, MT.—with much of the range's crest forming the western boundary to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This brief quote from Pat Caffrey's now out-of-print Climbers Guide to Montana is noteworthy: Sudden and striking, an immediate 6000' rise on the west side, with long ridgetops of grass and timber trailing off eastward. South of Holland Creek the crest is a continuous wall eight miles long. Elsewhere it is set back, less obvious, and broken occasionally by high passes.
Overview II
Holland Peak's View of the Neighborhood
West to the Missions...
...East to "The Bob"
Getting ThereOn Montana State Hwy 83, approximately 28 miles north of Seeley Lake, or 2 miles south of Condon—mile marker 39—turn east on the Rumble Creek Rd. Follow road four miles to parking area, which is a quarter mile or a bit more past the lookout. The parking area is large enough for several vehicles. 
RouteFrom the parking area take trail #192, which is clearly signed as such. After about a mile of mostly level hiking (it's a good trail), you come to an unmarked junction, with trail 192 continuing ahead, and the route to Holland Peak veering off at a 90 degree angle to the left. There are no other junctions prior to this, and even though the trail up the mountain isn't on any map (it is apparently an old game trail, but the mountain has become popular enough that this route probably should be put on future maps, as the trail goes the entire way to the summit), the turn-off is easily seen. So take the left at this point...and immediately begin climbing. And climbing. Steeply, unrelievedly, climbing (be forewarned: NO ONE enjoys going down this at day's end!). After gaining about 2000' elevation the trail moderates, and the way becomes less strenuous until reaching Lower Rumble Creek Lake... ...at which point traverse the right (south) shore (you will have crossed the creek shortly before reaching the lake), then stay right of the creek while working—steeply again, with the added difficulty of loose rock and scree—to Upper Rumble Creek Lake, where you may wish to stop for a break (both lakes are wonderful lounging-around points, the upper—and larger—lake the more so) while coming to terms with the sheer 1500' cliff immediately before you (which, not to worry, is most assuredly NOT the way you'll take, although it is my understanding the face has been climbed).
When to ClimbBest months are normally July through September. These mountains get a great deal of snow, and what remains in June would almost certainly be substantial, with the terrain being such that crampons and ice axe would be a requirement, and any bad weather making the upper reaches of this peak quite dangerous. For all practical purposes Holland Peak would be inaccessable in winter.
CampingThere are numerous Forest Service campgrounds throughout the Seeley-Swan Valley, and motels in all the small communities. In addition the area is within reasonable driving distance of Missoula, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell. Except maybe on holiday weekends, finding facilities should be no problem.
The Red Tape, Wildlife, & Cautions SectionProbably anyone prone to climbing in this part of the country already knows this, but the Northern Rockies are full of wildlife, and considerations should be the same as for Glacier National Park. Always be aware, and don't do anything stupid, like—for example—leave food where bears can get at it, think that a mountain lion is even remotely related to your pet cat, or run up to a moose (moose are quite unpredictable, irritable, and very dangerous). And never, ever, EVER forget you’re in grizzly country; they insist on being left alone—disagreement on that point is not an argument you’ll win! Bear spray and noise should be part of every foray you make into the back country. Black bears will be found in the forests, grizzlies commonly venture onto the above-timberline tundra, sometimes, when in pursuit of such delicacies as ladybugs or cutworm moth larva, even to the summits!In addition to the wildlife already mentioned, the Swans are home to elk, Canadian lynx, bobcat, deer, wolves, the occasional grumpy wolverine (all wolverines are grumpy—it's a rule with them), badgers, martens, innumerable rodents large and small, both bald and golden eagles, osprey, and loons (over 50 different species of birds!), and flowers. And to top it all off, in the spring of 2005, a pair of trumpeter swans took up residence on the Swan's western flank, nesting on one of the Seeley-Swan Valley's many lakes. The female was killed when she flew into power lines, but the male raised the cygnets, and the fervent hope is that the family will return each summer—trumpeter swans are wonderful!
Current Weather Conditions at Seeley Lake, MT.
In TributeOn March 1, 2011, Vernon Garner, Saintgrizzly, left us after losing a bold, inspiring fight against pancreatic cancer. Or maybe he won, for he is at last free of his pain and has "shuffle[d] off this mortal coil."Vernon was an important contributor on SummitPost, but beyond merely making good, informative pages, he actually inspired many who read his work. No one put more work into his or her pages than Vernon did, and many of those pages, especially those related to Glacier National Park, the place he loved above all others, are works of art in both the writing and layout. More than one person has wanted to visit Glacier or go back to Glacier largely due to what he shared about that magnificent place. Many people on SP counted Vernon among their friends, and many more saw him as one of the best, one of those who exemplified the spirit of this site. He was one of the best of us, he will be missed, and he will not be forgotten. As a tribute to him, Vernon's pages will remain in his name. Any member who sees a need for an addition or correction should please contact site management via the "Send PM to the Elves" feature. Rest well and climb on, Vernon. Additions and Corrections[ Post an Addition or Correction ]
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Bob Marshall Country > Holland Peak
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