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.
North Fork of Krause Creek. (Keith Hammer photo)
Swan Rangers visited Bond Falls, North Krause Creek and the Lubec Hills during the week ending in a hot Saturday, May 30, 2020!
In separate pairs, Keith-Pam and Chris-Fawn hiked to Bond Falls, finding the trail well cleared. Joel hiked the Lubec Hills just east of Marias Pass while Keith bushwhacked a ways up North Krause Creek via the Peters Ridge Road.
Click here or scroll down for more details and photos!
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.
"You better not cut this tree!" (Norma Linsky photo)
Among this week's Swan Ranger reports and photos is a bear hugging a tree marked for logging!
Click here or scroll down for more details, Keith and Pam's report on the Hall Lake Trail, Stuart's trip to Spotted Bear, and Joel's stay-at-home bird photography!
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.
Triple shooting star among others! (Joel Vignere photo)
Swan Rangers continued to get outdoors and take in what Spring has to offer in the week ending May 16, 2020!
Click here or scroll down to see their reports and photos!
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.
Birch Creek (Keith Hammer photo)
Swan Rangers encountered rising creeks, fallen sticks and crawling ticks in the week ending May 9, 2020!
Click here or scroll down for their reports and photos!
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.
South Krause Creek is running again! (Keith Hammer photo)
Swan Rangers reported on trail conditions, wildflowers and wildlife in the week ending Saturday, May 2, 2020!
Click here or scroll down to see their photos and details!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will try to get a report out most weeks with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Flathead Lake viewed from Beardance Trail (Joel Vignere photo)
Swan Rangers from across the country reported on everything from wildflowers to snow avalanches in the week ending Saturday, March 25, 2020!
Click here or scroll down to see what they had to show and tell!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will try to get a report out most weeks with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Though Montana is slowly "reopening," social distancing guidlines remain in place, appearing to prohibit car pooling to hiking trailheads and reducing the incentive to quickly return to group hiking, even if ten or fewer hikers are "spaced out." Stay tuned.
Greetings from the Netherlands! (Jan Verhoef photo)
Swan Rangers reported on their outings from Krause Basin, Blacktail Mountain, and the Netherlands this week ending April 18, 2020!
Click here or scroll down for photos and details from their reports of skiing, hiking and biking!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will try to get a report out most weeks with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Great blue heron. (Keith Hammer photos)
With an arctic front blowing in Saturday, March 11, two Swan Rangers were glad they went looking for birds on Friday!
They went looking for long-billed curlews along county roads north of Charlo, MT, but saw a lot of other birds along the way!
Click here or scroll down for more photos!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will try to get a report out most weeks with items of interest to folks trying to get outside for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.
Echo Lake looking somewhat glacial Friday! (Keith Hammer photo)
A few snowy days improved skiing while road and trail clearing has improved hiking conditions!
The first 1.5 miles of the Strawberry Lake Road has been cleared of downed trees and it is reported Peters Ridge Road is being cleared also. Both roads are currently closed to motor vehicles due to "spring breakup," so enjoy walking them but keep out of the way of log-clearing equipment!
The Phillips Trail is reportedly clear to the first bridge and recent snow has prolonged the great skiing at Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails!
Click here or scroll down for some more photos and news from various "socially distant" Swan Rangers!
While the Swan Ranger Saturday group outings remain suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will try to get a report out most weeks with items of interest to folks trying to get out in the woods for some "social distancing" and spirit-calming fresh air.