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.
Swan Crest view of Peters Ridge and Flathead Lake! (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked Peters Ridge through Bee Notch on a will-it-thunderstorm Saturday, July 15, 2017!
Wildflowers remain abundant and the bees remain very happy!
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Trail.
Air conditioning was found at higher elevation, snowfields and meltwater! (Keith Hammer photos)
Fifteen Swan Rangers broke into two groups and hiked Tongue Mountain to overlook Clayton Lake on a hot Saturday, July 8, 2017!
Trail junctions were a bit hard to find due to lingering snow, but the cooler air was worth it!
Click here for a map of the Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
Mt. Aeneas southern view of Birch, In-Thlam-Keh and Crater Lakes! (Keith Hammer photos unless otherwise noted)
Fifteen Swan Rangers split into two groups to hike in Jewel Basin on a sunny Saturday, July 1, 2017!
Half hiked up Mt. Aeneas and half to Birch Lake!
Click here for a map of Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
Mock orange along the road! (Keith Hammer photos)
Thirteen Swan Rangers hiked the Peterson Creek Trail on a sunny Saturday, June 24, 2017!
They turned around at the junction with Trail 353. After July 1, the gate on Road 5398 will open and shave 1.2 miles off this hike, making the old Red Owl burn and its fantastic views a bit easier to achieve!
Click here for a map of the Peterson Creek Trail.
Twenty hours were spent refurbishing the Krause Basin Interpretive Trail in June 2017; repairing vandalism to the signboard, pulling weeds from the trail tread, and trimming overgrowth to return it to its original width!
Click here for information about the trail and a free trail guide brochure.
Bridge over Bond Creek. (Susan Foster photo)
Thirteen Swan Rangers hiked to Bond Falls on a post-drip Saturday, June 17, 2017.
Three hiked Peters Ridge Road in search of illusive lady slippers!
Click here for a map of the Bond Creek Trail.
Toasting with sparkling cider at Strawberry Lake! (Keith Hammer photos)
Twelve Swan Rangers celebrated their 601st outing by hiking to Strawberry Lake on Saturday, June 10, 2017!
Since the first outing in November, 2005, nearly 600 different people have participated as Swan Rangers, averaging ten people per outing!
Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail.
Arnica along the way! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked to Estes Lake from Woods Bay on a pleasant Saturday, May 20, 2017!
The wildflowers and the mosquitos were out for all to enjoy!
Don't you love the colors of bud sheaths and mountain maple leaves? (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers hiked Elk Springs and Wolf Creek on a chilly, drippy Saturday, May 13, 2017!
Most encountered fresh snow near the source of Elk Springs, while two chose to check out the lower elevations of Wolf Creek!