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.
Sunny and threatening at Gildart Creek - Swan River confluence! (Keith Hammer photos 2/13, 2/15)
Seven Swan Rangers returned to ski Gildart Creek on a sunny and threatening Saturday, February 15, 2020!
It is wildlife rich and was known as Porcupine Creek just a few short weeks ago!
North Fork Krause Creek! (Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers skied the North Fork of Krause Basin on a snowy wet Saturday, February 8, 2020!
The deeper one skis into Krause Basin, the deeper the snow!
Sunrise and spindrift over Swan Peak! (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers skied what little snow remains on the Foothills Ski Area while two others hiked the bare hillside trails above the Swan River Nature Trail on a 50+F high-wind-warning Saturday, February 1, 2011!
Wildfire warnings were issued for parts of eastern Montana while trees blown down on power lines in the Flathead Valley caused an 8-hour delay in issuing this Ranger report.
Yes, this is the Northern Hemisphere, it is February 1, and it is Winter. Welcome to the new normal?
A sunny moment reflected in Porcupine Gildart Creek! (Keith Hammer photos)
Five Swan Rangers skied a ways up Porcupine Gildart Creek on a somewhat soggy Saturday, January 25, 2020!
They skied there via Porcupine Road and Porcupine Bridge, but have since learned that Porcupine Creek flows into Gildart Creek before flowing into the Swan River just upstream from Porcupine Bridge!
Cottonwood Bottom (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers skied Cottonwood Bottom and beyond in Krause Basin on a snowy Saturday, January 18, 2020!
There are several feet of snow to be enjoyed and the creek crossings are totally snow-bridged!
Weather brewing! (Pam Willison photo)
Six Swan Rangers skied along the foot of Broken Leg Mountain on a slightly sticky but snowy Saturday, January 11, 2020!
They skied the Bear Creek Road to where it becomes the Peterson Creek Trail and leaves the old roadbed.
Click here for a map of the Bear Creek Road and Peterson Creek Trail.
Still waiting for good skiing snow. (Joel Vignere photo)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked the Foothills Ski Area on a balmy, breezy Saturday, January 4, 2020!
Once North Shore Nordic begins grooming the trails, skis or snowshoes are required to protect the grooming and hole-poking hikers and dogs are prohibited.
Swan Valley sunrise seen from Echo Lake Road. (Keith Hammer photo)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked to Elk Springs on a snow-spitting Saturday, December 28, 2019!
Snow depth went from skiff to gaiter-deep as the Rangers gained elevation!
Not all bears have denned yet! (Pam Willison photos)
Eight Swan Rangers went seeking Winter Solstice in Krause Basin and found it on Saturday, December 21, 2019!
Though warm and rainy at lower elevations, there is snow a bit higher in Krause Basin!