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.
Entering the solitude of Cottonwood Bottom (Keith Hammer photos)
Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked a shady and cool Krause Basin on a smokey Saturday, August 18, 2018!
They also discussed a bit of encouraging news for Krause Basin found in the Forest Service's recent response to Forest Plan Objections (look for a Swan View Coalition newsletter alert soon)!
Estes Lake amid glaciated bedrock! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked to Estes Lake on a smokey Saturday, August 11, 2018!
They hiked in from the Ferndale side and the Crane Mountain Road.
Click here for a map of the Estes Lake Trail.
Strawberry Lake from Alpine Trail #7! (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked to the divide between Strawberry and Wildcat Lakes on a sunny Saturday, August 4, 2018!
The vegetation is still very lush at higher elevations and many wildflowers are still in their prime!
Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail and Alpine Trail #7 heading east toward Wildcat Lake.
Alpine Trail #7 is just through this pass into Quintonkon Creek! (Keith Hammer photos)
Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked up into the Red Owl Burn via the Peterson Creek Trail on a sunny Saturday, July 28, 2018!
They lunched and turned around about a mile shy of Alpine Trail #7, where the lunchtime views are the best!
Click here for a map of the Peterson Creek Trail.
Twin Lakes seen from Alpine Trail #7! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked across Jewel Basin on a sunny Saturday, July 21, 2018!
Tongue Mountain Trail #55 took them to a point overlooking Clayton Lake and looking back across the Basin at Mount Aeneas!
Click here for a map of the Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
The Peters Ridge Trail is a short but steep jaunt to the Swan Crest! (Norma Linsky photos)
Thirteen Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Trail on a sunny blue Saturday, July 14, 2018!
It is prime wildflower season on the Swan Crest!
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Trail.
Swan Lake, Flathead Lake and Flathead Valley (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked the Sixmile Lookout Trail on a sunny Saturday, July 7, 2018!
Most continued on past Alpine Trail #7 to fantastic views from Sixmile Peak!
Click here for a map of the Sixmile Lookout Trail.
Syringa/mock orange along the roadside! (Keith Hammer photos)
Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked the Peterson Creek Road and Trail on a "here comes the rain" Saturday, June 30, 2018!
The Forest Service opened the road gate for the summer season today, shortening the hike by two miles, but you'll miss the sweet smell of the syringa unless you roll your window down!
Click here for a map of the Peterson Creek Road and Trail.
Rainy day view of the Flathead Valley! (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Road on another soggy Saturday, June 23, 2018!
This time they were smart enough to avoid a wet, brushy trail and keep their feet dry!
LOST: Did any Rangers find a pair of plastic MSR snowshoes left in their car this winter after an outing? If so, please notify .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Click here for a map of the Peters Ridge Road.