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.
View of the Flathead Valley from Red Owl Burn. (Keith Hammer photos)
Three Swan Rangers hiked the Red Owl Burn on a started-with-thundershowers Saturday, July 13, 2019!
The thundershowers diminished as forecast and the Rangers enjoyed the Burn safely and in full sunshine!
Click here for a map of the Peterson Creek Trail.
Bond Falls (Keith Hammer photos)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked to Bond Falls on a sunny Saturday, July 6, where they saw some interesting looking pack llamas!
Nightime thundershowers missed the area so the Rangers even kept their feet dry!
Click here for a map of the Bond Creek Trail.
A view of Flathead, Echo and Mud Lakes! (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked the Switchback Trail to Malfunction Junction on a glorious Saturday, June 29, 2019!
Malfunction Junction was very busy with Jewel Basin hikers, but the Rangers had Switchback all to themselves!
Click here for a map of the Switchback Trail.
Estes Lake. (Keith Hammer photos except one)
A dozen Swan Rangers got a peek at Cougar Canyon by hiking a side trail near Estes Lake on an overcast Saturday, June 22, 2019!
The knob they hiked up also offered partial views of Flathead Lake!
Click here for a map of the Estes Lake Trail.
Strawberry Lake (Norma Linsky photos)
Five Swan Rangers hiked to Strawberry Lake on a sunny Saturday, June 15, 2019!
They had a few moments to themselves, but it's a popular and busy place!
Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail.
Can you find Flathead Lake out there in the mist? (Keith Hammer photos)
Six Swan Rangers hiked a loop in Krause Basin on an increasingly rainy Saturday, June 8, 2019!
There were a couple testy stream crossings, but the wildflowers and mushrooms are well watered!
Wolf Creek Canyon (Keith Hammer photos except one)
Eleven Swan Rangers hiked the Echo - Broken Leg Trail on a sunny side up with a side of Alberta smoke Saturday, June 1, 2019!
Wildflowers are peaking in Wolf Creek Canyon and only a few ticks were seen!
Click here for a map of the Echo - Broken Leg Trail.
(Elmer Sprunger artwork, Keith Hammer photos)
Eight Swan Rangers hiked the Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail on a sunny morning before big afternoon thunderstorms Saturday, May 25, 2019!
Wildflowers are yet to peak, so visit this old-growth forest trail soon!
Click here for more information on Friends of the Wild Swan's Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail.
A toast with sparkling cider at Wolf Creek! (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers celebrated the Rangers' 700th every-Saturday outing at Wolf Creek on a drippy Saturday, May 18, 2019!
The first outing was November 12, 2005, and 572 people have since shared not only the landscape, but the natural and cultural history of the Swan Range!
In honor of this 700th outing and the mindful nature of the Swan Rangers, you are invited to practice the Swan Crest Crawl wherever you are. Click here for details!