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 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.
At 9356' Holland Peak is this rugged range's high point, with the ascent involving approximately a five mile jaunt, 5000' of which is elevation gain over less than four miles—a stunningly beautiful approach involving a two-tiered hanging glacial valley with a lake on each level, a creek which, from the time it pours out of solid rock just below Upper Rumble Creek Lake to when it exits the lower lake falls well over 1000'; and, as if that wasn't enough, upon reaching the upper lake you find yourself confronted with 1500' of sheer wall running from lake to summit. All this while passing through a land infested with wildlife, plus, if tiring of what's before you, it's a simple matter to turn and gaze back over the valley to the eastern wall of the Mission Mountains. Then—finally—from the summit, running east as far as the eye can see is the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness, and on a clear day the northern horizon includes the southern reaches of Glacier National Park. Holland Peak is a hard day's work, but is in all respects a magnificent outing!
Overview II
Holland Peak's View of the Neighborhood
West to the Missions...
...East to "The Bob"
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).
Two interesting and enjoyable route sections.
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From this point the trail winds as it takes off from the lake's south shore, leading steeply to the ridge which is Holland Peak proper. The trail winds around the low south summit, then brings you to the saddle between it and the main, and final, summit approach. This col presents you with cliffs, and slabs, and exposure (see pictures), and snow fields, so be careful! Early in the summer crampons and an ice axe would be necessary, but by the time we did it (July 30th), the snow fields posed no problem other than that of using caution. Once past the saddle (which is actually quite enjoyable—in good weather, so pay attention to that, in addition to all the other stuff on your mind at the moment), it is a relatively simple matter—and the way is obvious—of working your way to the summit, where there is a register to sign if you wish, and you can enjoy the world in general.
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.
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 SectionNo use fees or permits necessary, but this area has a LOT of wildlife—in fact, the climb coordinator for this outing saw a grizzly while checking out the route! There are also black bears (that's twice I've made reference to bears in this section—which should lead you to bear spray, or at least noise), moose, elk, mountain lion, Canadian lynx, bobcat, deer, wolves, grumpy wolverines (all wolverines are grumpy—it's a rule with them), innumerable rodents large and small, eagles, osprey, and loons and flowers. And to top it all off, the year prior to our climb a pair of trumpeter swans took up residence on one of the 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!
It is a nice area.
Current Weather Conditions at Seeley Lake, MT.
Seeley Lake Weather
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