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.
Twin Lakes seen from Alpine Trail #7! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked across Jewel Basin on a sunny Saturday, July 21, 2018!
Tongue Mountain Trail #55 took them to a point overlooking Clayton Lake and looking back across the Basin at Mount Aeneas!
Click here for a map of the Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
The Peters Ridge Trail is a short but steep jaunt to the Swan Crest! (Norma Linsky photos)
Thirteen Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Trail on a sunny blue Saturday, July 14, 2018!
It is prime wildflower season on the Swan Crest!
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Trail.
Swan Lake, Flathead Lake and Flathead Valley (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked the Sixmile Lookout Trail on a sunny Saturday, July 7, 2018!
Most continued on past Alpine Trail #7 to fantastic views from Sixmile Peak!
Click here for a map of the Sixmile Lookout Trail.
Syringa/mock orange along the roadside! (Keith Hammer photos)
Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked the Peterson Creek Road and Trail on a "here comes the rain" Saturday, June 30, 2018!
The Forest Service opened the road gate for the summer season today, shortening the hike by two miles, but you'll miss the sweet smell of the syringa unless you roll your window down!
Click here for a map of the Peterson Creek Road and Trail.
Rainy day view of the Flathead Valley! (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Road on another soggy Saturday, June 23, 2018!
This time they were smart enough to avoid a wet, brushy trail and keep their feet dry!
LOST: Did any Rangers find a pair of plastic MSR snowshoes left in their car this winter after an outing? If so, please notify .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Road.
Showery view of Flathead, Mud and Echo Lakes. (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers hiked up the Crater Notch Trail on a soggy Saturday, June 16, 2018!
They turned around atop the first knob, known as the first lunch spot, where a chilly wind was blowing!
Click here for a map of the Crater Notch Trail.
Here come the afternoon rainshowers! (Keith Hammer photos)
Fifteen Swan Rangers hiked to Strawberry Lake on a showers-pending Saturday, June 9, 2018!
The ice is mostly gone and the lake is ready for swimming!
Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail.
Bond Falls is running a second channel! (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked to Bond Falls on a sunny Saturday, June 2, 2018!
Streams are running high and the falls is running a second channel!
Click here for a map of the Bond Creek Trail.
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.