EXPLORE
If you fancy yourself an outdoor recreationist, few areas of the country outmatch Montana's Magnificent Swan Valley. Located in the valley core between the rugged Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges, Oro Ranch offers easy access to the Mission Mountain Wilderness Area and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area — known simply as "The Bob" to locals. These areas along with other state and federal lands afford wonderful recreational opportunities. Think hiking, rafting, boating, swimming, and fishing in the summer and skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. For nature lovers, the Swan Valley plays home to an amazing array of wild creatures including black bears, grizzly, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, wolves, eagles, and loons.
FISH THE AREA RIVERS AND STREAMS
A myriad of pristine mountain lakes, streams, and rivers in the Swan Valley offer a truly unique fishing experience. Many Montana anglers have a particular affinity for fly-fishing and consider the act of casting a fly almost sacred. In fact, the great Montana writer, Norman Maclean once said that in his family, "there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing." If you're hoping to land cutthroat, or rainbow, head to the Swan River, which passes by the town of Condon, a mere five miles away. While the areas near access points get fished most heavily, excellent holes can be found just upstream or downstream for plucky anglers with a good pair of water sandals or waders. For early-summer fishing, try stoneflies, and during the rest of the season, opt for ants, hoppers, wooly buggers, caddis flies, or humpies. Visitors from out of town can acquire a Montana fishing license for two days, ten days, or the whole season.
HIKE
Do you enjoy exploring by foot? Then you won't find a shortage of mountain trails near Oro Ranch. For a quick and easy three-mile trip, find the trailhead at Holland Lake, and make your way to majestic Holland Falls. If you're up for a more demanding outing, strap on a backpack and a pair of climbing boots and hike 12 miles round trip to Upper Holland Lake, a heavily wooded and smaller version of its sister lake down below. Go just a mile or so further, and you'll reach Sapphire Lake, another alpine jewel. Because this area is bear country, it's a good idea to make noise and carry bear spray while hiking.
FLOAT
For the true adventurer, there's nothing like a Montana river float. If you're looking for a bit of a challenge, point your raft north up the Swan River. With just a handful of bridges and wooded, brushy banks, the chances of seeing other floaters are few, but you will enjoy spectacular scenery along the way.
SWIM
For a day full of swimming and water sports, head south to Holland Lake or Seeley Lake, or make your way north to Swan Lake.