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.
Good day to carry a rain coat? (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked a loop in Johnson Creek on a still-unsettled-weather Saturday, August 17, 2019!
Their hike was cut short not by the weather but by subdivision of private lands once open to public recreation!
Rangers at South Krause Creek. (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked a loop in Krause Basin on a damp-turned-sunny-before-more-thundershowers-arrive Saturday, August 10, 2019!
They opted to check out the little stuff and stay off the high ridges with lightning in the forecast!
Wild Horse Island and Flathead Lake. (Keith Hammer photos)
Sixteen Swan Rangers hiked the Beardance Trail on a hot Saturday, August 3, 2019!
It's a shady trail with great views of Flathead Lake!
Click here for a map of the Beardance Trail.
Clayton Lake and Pioneer Ridge viewed from Tongue Mountain (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked Tongue Mountain on a breezy Saturday, July 27, 2019!
The hike is a tour of the northern part of Jewel Basin with views of mountains, lakes, and wildflowers galore!
Click here for a map of Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
View of Echo Lake, Flathead Lake and the switchbacks from Bee Notch. (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Trail to the Swan Crest's Bee Notch on a sunny Saturday, July 20, 2019!
With wildflowers in full bloom, the bees were busy flying pollen and nectar over the Swan Crest!
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Trail.
View of the Flathead Valley from Red Owl Burn. (Keith Hammer photos)
Three Swan Rangers hiked the Red Owl Burn on a started-with-thundershowers Saturday, July 13, 2019!
The thundershowers diminished as forecast and the Rangers enjoyed the Burn safely and in full sunshine!
Click here for a map of the Peterson Creek Trail.
Bond Falls (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked to Bond Falls on a sunny Saturday, July 6, where they saw some interesting looking pack llamas!
Nightime thundershowers missed the area so the Rangers even kept their feet dry!
Click here for a map of the Bond Creek Trail.
A view of Flathead, Echo and Mud Lakes! (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked the Switchback Trail to Malfunction Junction on a glorious Saturday, June 29, 2019!
Malfunction Junction was very busy with Jewel Basin hikers, but the Rangers had Switchback all to themselves!
Click here for a map of the Switchback Trail.
Estes Lake. (Keith Hammer photos except one)
A dozen Swan Rangers got a peek at Cougar Canyon by hiking a side trail near Estes Lake on an overcast Saturday, June 22, 2019!
The knob they hiked up also offered partial views of Flathead Lake!
Click here for a map of the Estes Lake Trail.