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.
Lena Lake (Joel Vignere photo)
Swan Rangers felt the heat while hiking, as temperatures rose into the 90s in the week ending August 1, 2020!
Click here or scroll down for their photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will get a report out each week with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Lamoose Lake, Jimmie Ridge, Great Northern Mtn. (Keith Hammer photos unless otherwise noted)
Swan Rangers paddled and hiked during the week ending July 25, 2020, seeing flowers everywhere!
Click here or scroll down for their photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will get a report out each week with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Swan Rangers in Service restored 8 old water bars and installed 12 new water bars in the first steep stretch of the Peters Ridge Trail on Saturday, July 18, 2020!
They also hacked down and raked up the tall grass at the trailhead so hotly-parked cars wouldn't catch the grass on fire as it soon dries out. Never park a hot car in dry grass that can touch the exhaust system! You can see a couple spots in these photos where parked car engine heat killed the green grass down to the ground!
The view from Elk Springs! (Pam Willison photo)
Swan Rangers took numerous hikes and did some trail work in the week ending Saturday, July 18, 2020!
Click here or scroll down for their photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will get a report out each week with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Chris Gotschalk photo looking down on the boulder field by Elk Spring!
Swan Rangers sent in more wonderful photos from their hikes during the week ending July 11, 2020!
Click here or scroll down for their photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will get a report out each week with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Rangers enjoying the view of Flathead Lake from the Crater Notch Trail! (Keith Hammer photos unless otherwise noted)
Swan Rangers found more wonderful wildflowers and wildlife while hiking the week ending July 4, 2020!
Click here or scroll down for their photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will get a report out each week with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Swan Ranger volunteers have been digging new trail tread where uprooted tree "root wads" blocked or took the trails with them!
Five big wind storms since October blew down a lot of trees in the Swan Range and elsewhere. While others are clearing the trails with chainsaws, Swan Ranger volunteers have been able to help reestablish trail tread where necessary - here along the Echo - Broken Leg Trail and along the Switchback Trail!
View of Flathead, Mud and Echo Lakes from the Switchback Trail! (Keith Hammer photos)
Swan Rangers enjoyed both sides of the Swan Range in the week ending Saturday, June 27, 2020!
Click here or scroll down for their photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will get a report out each week with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Arrow leaf balsamroot and other wild flowers! (Pam Willison photo)
Swan Rangers hiked Cyclone Lookout and DNRC lands south of Herron Park in the week ending Saturday, June 20th, 2020!
It was reported on Facebook that Crater Notch Trail is now cleared of blowdown to the top but there is still plenty of snow on the east side of the Swan Crest!
Click here or scroll down to see photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will get a report out each week with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.