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 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!"
Sun and smiles along the Swan River Trail! (Norma Linsky photo)
Nine or so Swan Rangers scattered to the wind on a St. Patrick Saturday, March 17, 2018!
Most avoided boiler-plate snow skiing by hiking the Swan River Nature Trail upstream from Bigfork!
Spring ski conditions! (Keith Hammer photos except last one)
Fourteen Swan Rangers found spring ski conditions in the Swan Range on a sunny Saturday, March 10, 2018!
Ten found them on the Peters Ridge Road and four found them at Bigfork Community Nordic Center!
Cottonwood Bottom in Krause Basin! (Keith Hammer photos except last one)
Seven Swan Rangers skied fresh powder through Cottonwood Bottom, two skied Strawberry Lake Road, and three skied the Bigfork Community Nordic Center on a sunny Saturday, March 3, 2018!
It was a great day of "pick your favorite" skiing in the Swan Range!
The sun tried to make an appearance! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers skied the Swan River Wildlife Refuge on a gray Saturday, February 24, 2018!
There was no wind and no open water to cross!
Click here for info about the Swan River Wildlife Refuge.