A view of the Flathead Valley from near Strawberry Lake! (Debra Schweitzer photos)

Five Swan Rangers hiked to Strawberry Lake on a foggy-turned-sunny Saturday, August 31, 2019!

A few other Rangers were off-grid camping and hiking in the Galton Range and hence this late report!

Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail.

A bridge right at the trailhead makes for a dry-feet crossing of Krause Creek!

The first portion of the trail passes through western hemlock forest and past a few snags like this woodpecker condo!

But higher up the trail offers views of Echo and Flathead Lakes!

Fall is drawing near and berries are repening, like these mountain ash . . .

. . . and these elderberry!

A bit of R and R at Strawberry Lake.

A very showy caterpillar!

The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 7:30, leaving at 8:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills.

They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.

When hiking in bear country, remember to carry bear spray and avoid the 3-D's: dawn, dusk, and darkness.

Everyone is welcome!