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 spiraling vortex of trees and sky! (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked into Wolf Creek via the old Bear Creek Road on a sunny, fresh-snow Saturday, November 10, 2018!
It was champagne powder on the way in and spring runoff on the way back out!
The Rangers' first puddle sighting since June! (Keith Hammer photos)
Twelve Swan Rangers hiked the Foothills Ski Area on a damp Saturday, November 3, 2018!
They dreamt of snow, took two wrong turns, but still made it out alive!
Click here to learn more about North Shore Nordic Club or to make a donation towards their grooming of these fine ski trails during winter!
Mud, Echo, and Flathead Lakes with Fall colors! (Keith Hammer photos)
Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked up into the clouds along the Switchback Trail on an otherwise sunny Saturday, October 27, 2018!
Click here for a 45-second "moment of silence" video of water vapor rushing uphill to join the cloud ceiling along the Switchback Trail!
Click here for a map of the Switchback Trail.
Birch Lake! (Norma Linsky photos)
Six Swan Rangers hiked to Birch Lake in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area on a sunny Saturday, October 20, 2018!
They beat the crowds and had the place to themselves!
Click here for a map of Jewel Basin.
The seasons they are a-changin'! (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers hiked the Peterson Creek Trail on a fresh-snow Saturday, October 13, 2018!
Time to break out the long-johns!
Click here for a map of the Peterson Creek Trail.
Taking a stroll through Cottonwood Bottom! (Keith Hammer photos)
Five Swan Rangers hiked Krause Basin on a chilly Saturday, October 6, 2018!
They hiked all three forks of Krause Creek, amid Fall colors and strange mushrooms!
Looking up the Swan River at the Swan Range! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked the Swan River Nature Trail on a blustery Saturday, September 29, 2018!
Always a good fallback when the weather is iffy!
Click here for information about the Swan River Nature Trail, recently renamed the Bigfork Nature Trail.
Looking down Browns Creek to the Flathead Valley! (Pam Willison photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Trail to the Swan Crest on the first day of Autumn, 2018!
It was raw and windy up there - and the colors don't lie about what season it is!
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Trail.
View of Flathead Lake from Elk Springs! (Keith Hammer photos)
Thirteen Swan Rangers hiked a loop through Elk Springs for outing #666 on a suspiciously splendid Saturday, September 15, 2018!
Those not suffering from hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia or hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia had a devil of a good time!
The Swan Rangers took their first outing on November 12, 2005, and have only missed a couple Saturdays since!