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 Swan Lake through Fall colors! (Keith Hammer photo)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked an old road up Johnson Creek on Saturday, September 24, 2016!
The old road joins with Hwy 83 just north of Johnson Creek and the Bigfork Gun Club, is closed to passenger vehicles, and is popular with locals thanks to the gracious access provided by Stoltze Land and Lumber Company.
It eventually joins with the Sixmile Sidehill Trail to Weed Lake at its west end, though this map does not show the road!
Looking out over Mud Lake and Birch Flats. (Keith Hammer photos)
Four Swan Rangers hiked a short loop along and downslope of the Echo - Broken Leg Trail on Saturday, September 17!
Who would have thought that using GPS to measure the acreage of the loop would be gross and perhaps overshadow the colorful puns and foliage?
The always gorgeous Swan River! (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked The Nature Conservancy's Swan River Oxbow Preserve on a sunny Saturday, September 10, 2016!
The Preserve is open to the public for foot travel and lies between the Swan River Wildlife Refuge and Porcupine Road, just south of the town of Swan Lake.
The Wire Trail offers views of the Swan Crest from Thunderbolt Mtn. to Swan Peak! (Pat Jaquith photo)
Twelve Swan Rangers hiked the Wire Trail on a changeable-weather Saturday, September 3, 2016!
There was a bit of a fashion show and the question arose "can one pick huckleberries with gloves on?"
Click here for a map of the Wire Trail.
Looking up the Swan Valley from Sixmile Peak! (Susan Brueggeman photo)
Twelve Swan Rangers hiked the Sixmile Lookout Trail on a somewhat smokey Saturday, August 27, 2016!
There's no longer a fire lookout there, but the fantastic views remain!
Click here for a map of the Sixmile Lookout Trail.
A view from the overlook just below Crater Notch! (Pat Jaquith photo)
Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked in two groups to Crater Notch and Birch Lake on Saturday, August 20, 2016!
Crater Notch offers a nice, steep climb, while Birch Lake via Camp Misery offers a more mellow hike!
Click here for a map of the Crater Notch Trail.
Click here for a map of the Jewel Basin Hiking Area!
A view of Flathead Lake when exiting Jewel Basin! (Keith Hammer photos unless otherwise noted)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked a loop in Jewel Basin on Saturday, August 13, in through the big notch by Twin Lakes and back out via the little notch above Picnic Lakes!
Wildflowers are in full bloom along Alpine Trail #7, thanks to heavy snow drifts that delay summer up there!
Click here for a map of Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
Flathead Lake framed by the Swan Crest! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked Peters Ridge on Saturday, August 6, 2016!
Half of them turned right at Bee Notch for a change of views and lunch spot!
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Trail.
Ocean spray catching the first rays of morning sun! (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked the old Bear Creek Road on a sunny and warm Saturday, July 30, 2016!
Half continued on to Wolf Creek and half headed up the ridge toward Elk Springs!