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.
Strawberry Lake (Norma Linsky photos)
Five Swan Rangers hiked to Strawberry Lake on a sunny Saturday, June 15, 2019!
They had a few moments to themselves, but it's a popular and busy place!
Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail.
Can you find Flathead Lake out there in the mist? (Keith Hammer photos)
Six Swan Rangers hiked a loop in Krause Basin on an increasingly rainy Saturday, June 8, 2019!
There were a couple testy stream crossings, but the wildflowers and mushrooms are well watered!
Wolf Creek Canyon (Keith Hammer photos except one)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked the Echo - Broken Leg Trail on a sunny side up with a side of Alberta smoke Saturday, June 1, 2019!
Wildflowers are peaking in Wolf Creek Canyon and only a few ticks were seen!
Click here for a map of the Echo - Broken Leg Trail.
(Elmer Sprunger artwork, Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked the Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail on a sunny morning before big afternoon thunderstorms Saturday, May 25, 2019!
Wildflowers are yet to peak, so visit this old-growth forest trail soon!
Click here for more information on Friends of the Wild Swan's Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail.
A toast with sparkling cider at Wolf Creek! (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers celebrated the Rangers' 700th every-Saturday outing at Wolf Creek on a drippy Saturday, May 18, 2019!
The first outing was November 12, 2005, and 572 people have since shared not only the landscape, but the natural and cultural history of the Swan Range!
In honor of this 700th outing and the mindful nature of the Swan Rangers, you are invited to practice the Swan Crest Crawl wherever you are. Click here for details!
Flathead Lake on a calm day! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked the Phillips Trail up Crane Mountain on a warm, sunny Saturday, May 11, 2019!
They started from Highway 35, saw wildflowers galore, and found the trail snow-free all the way to the top at Crane Mountain Road!
Don't miss next Saturday's outing, which will be the Rangers' 700th outing and likely celebrated with something bubbly at Lunch Rock on the Echo - Broken Leg Trail!
Click here for a map of the Phillips Trail.
Meadow Rue. (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked from Bear Creek to Patterson Creek on a sunny Saturday, May 4, 2019!
There are many green things sprouting from the forest floor - oh, and ticks!
Click here for a map of the Bear Creek Road and Peterson Creek Trail.
Calm and quiet Estes Lake. (Keith Hammer photos)
Six Swan Rangers hiked from Woods Bay to Estes Lake on a changing-weather Saturday, April 27, 2019!
It's that time of year to enjoy emerging wildflowers!
Swan Range and Swan River in shades of gray! (Keith Hammer photos)
Five Swan Rangers hiked the Bigfork Nature Trail on a rainy Saturday, April 20, 2019!
The Trail runs two miles upstream from Bigfork along the Swan River.