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.
Bull elk and harem by Keith Hammer.
Swan Rangers took lots of wildlife photos during their recent outings, some of which tell the story of the changing seasons!
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Keith Hammer (and Pam) saw bull elk gathering up their harems on the CM Russell Wildlife Refuge, where there was . . .
Tally Lake inlet by Pat Jaquith.
Swan Rangers celebrated Fall colors during their outings in the week ending Saturday, October 2, 2021!
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Pat Jaquith captured some Fall colors in our lead photo, while . . .
Fresh snow on Mt. Aeneas by Pam Willison.
Swan Rangers saw fresh snow during their outings in the week ending Saturday, September 25, 2021!
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Pam Willison found fresh snow on a hike up Mt. Aeneas, as shown in our lead photo, while . . .
Smokey view of Flathead Lake from Elk Springs by Keith Hammer.
Swan Rangers found water and mushrooms amid signs of continuing drought during their outings in the week ending Saturday, September 18, 2021!
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Between occasional rain showers, wildfire smoke continued to dampen distant views, as shown in our lead photo by Keith Hammer.
Three Swan Rangers in Service used chainsaws and muscle to remove blow-down trees from the Switchback Trail and make repairs to the trail tread!
Autumn hillside by Debra Schweitzer
Swan Rangers contemplated time and other oddities during their outings in the week ending Saturday, September 11, 2021!
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It seemed like just the onset of autumn as Debra Schweitzer hiked to Iceberg Lake (see lead photo) . . .
Rain storm crossing the Flathead Valley by Pat Jaquith.
Swan Rangers saw lots of wildlife during their outings in the week ending Saturday, September 4, 2021!
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Pat Jaquith captured the wild weather of late last week in our lead photo . . .
Swan Rangers in Service this year again removed the tall grass from the Peters Ridge Trailhead and re-dug the trail's water bars. Then they cut back brush from the trail all along the south slope of Peters Ridge.
Mud, Echo and Flathead Lakes as rain clouds lift. (Keith Hammer photo)
Swan Rangers enjoyed rain on both ends of the week ending Saturday, August 28, with sun and vistas in between!
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Keith Hammer captured the lifting of rain clouds in our lead photo, yet . . .