The northern Swan Range -- home to the Jewel Basin Hiking Area and Alpine Trail No. 7, is the rugged backyard and scenic backdrop of the Flathead Valley. From Inspriation Pass to Columbia Mountain, the northern Swan supports our unique way of life and contributes much to the natural beauty and economic prosperity of the entire Flathead Valley. This website is dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of the northern Swan Range. Now is the time to act for the future of the Swan.
A view of Flathead, Echo and Mud Lakes! (Keith Hammer photos)
Five Swan Rangers hiked the Switchback Trail on a beautiful Saturday, May 19, 2018!
They also cleared a dozen deadfall from the trail in the burned area, to where the traverse above the last switchback finally hits snowpack!
Click here for a map of the Switchback Trail.
Flathead Lake viewed from the lower slopes of "The Knob!" (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked "The Knob" in Krause Basin on a sunny Saturday, May 12, 2018!
They topped out at 4,000 feet elevation in their quest to avoid deep snow and high waters!
A view up Wolf Creek Canyon, where the ticks really get thick! (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked the Echo Broken Leg Trail on a mostly sunny Saturday, Cinco de Mayo, 2018!
They turned around at Windy Point after the tick count had reached into the dozens, leaving the tickiest stretch to Wolf Creek for another day!
Click here for a map of the Echo Broken Leg Trail.
Smoke from spring burning limits the view of Flathead Lake. (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked Crane Creek on a sunny but hazy Saturday, April 28, 2018!
They hiked to the mouth of Crane Creek via the Flathead Lake Interpretive Trail, then crossed it higher up on the way to the Phillips Trail overlook!
A view of Flathead Lake and Woods Bay. (Keith Hammer photos)
Five Swan Rangers hiked to Estes Lake from Woods Bay on a pleasant Saturday, April 21, 2018!
It was the first snow-free hike of the year with the first sighting of wildflowers!
"One mile at a time" or "we're #1?" (Joel Vignere photos)
Six Swan Rangers hiked the Johnson Creek Road on a warm and partly sunny Saturday, April 14, 2018!
Warm and partly sunny being gracious terms for this April in Montana!
You have to cross South Krause to get to North Krause! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked and snowshoed up North Krause Creek while three skied at Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails on Saturday, April 7, 2018!
Hiking on the hard pack got a little iffy as the day warmed up and the snow softened!
Arriving at Wolf Creek! (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers went seeking signs of Spring on a frigid Saturday, March 31, 2018!
They found several interesting things while hiking on frozen boiler plate snow to Wolf Creek!
Streams are starting to thaw! (Keith Hammer photos unless otherwise noted)
Three Swan Rangers skied Cottonwood Bottom while six skied Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails on a sunny-squally Saturday, March 24, 2018!
No bear tracks seen yet, but you might want to watch out for the wolverine in Krause Basin we've nicknamed "Bigfoot!"