Things To Do
GUS
The largest Western Larch tree in the world is a short walk from Camp Paxson - go meet Gus in all his golden glory!
HIKING
Lots of hiking options in the area, including a few short ones in the immediate area. AllTrails is useful (linked). A few favorites in the Swan Valley: Glacier Lake (and Heart, Crescent, Turquoise Lakes from that trailhead if you're more ambitious) Holland Lake is beautiful and there is a 3mile round trip trail to Holland Falls. Morrell Falls is a nice trail that is a bit closer to the venue. It's pretty hard to go wrong. Carry bear spray - this is grizzly country.
PADDLING
Canoes and PFDs are available at the venue for use on Seeley Lake. The Clearwater Canoe Trail is also nearby. Also there's a bunch of yard games on site.
FOOD
SEELEY LAKE: Not a foodie destination per se. Casa Caro is a good mexican restaurant. We have also heard that Lindey's West Landing Bayburgers is good for lunch, and that Pop's is decent for breakfast. The Stray Bullet in Ovando is cute too. We will have bagels, eggs and stuff available for DIY breakfast in the lodge kitchen on Sunday morning for those who spend the night with us at Camp Paxson! MISSOULA: Market on Front for breakfast (slow) or Clyde Coffee. Veera Donuts (vegan). Zoo Thai. Michi Ramen. Tagliare Delicatessen. Camino (fancy tacos). Gild (less fancy tacos). Cranky Sam's Public House for beers on a sunny patio. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream. Restaurant wait times may be crazy on Friday (Saturday is Homecoming).
Glacier National Park
If you're really looking to make a trip, the west entrance to Glacier National Park is 2 hours from the venue (and less than an hour from Kalispell, and 2.5hr from Missoula). It's hard to overstate how amazing it is. Weather tends to decline throughout October, so if you are making the trip with Glacier in mind, it is a slightly safer bet to visit before the wedding. Hiking should be doable, snow is a possibility! And the Going to the Sun Road is worth it.
Beartracks Celebration Powwow
Monday after the wedding is Indigenous People's Day and there will be a public celebration organized by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes at Caras Park in Downtown Missoula with dancing, food trucks, and indigenous art vendors. Right on the river trail.
BISON RANGE
The bison range is far from the venue but it's a worthwhile stop for those who may plan to loop between Kalispell and Missoula on each side of the Mission Mountains. There's good wildlife viewing and a great visitor center with lots of local history. This is more of a driving/learning experience with mountain views and a couple of very short walking trails. About an hour from Missoula.