Toasting with sparkling cider at Strawberry Lake! (Keith Hammer photos)
Twelve Swan Rangers celebrated their 601st outing by hiking to Strawberry Lake on Saturday, June 10, 2017!
Since the first outing in November, 2005, nearly 600 different people have participated as Swan Rangers, averaging ten people per outing!
Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail.
A bald eagle joined in the celebration, though he was a bit standofffish!
It was a little sunnier over Echo and Flathead Lakes.
Beargrass as far as the eye can see!
The timed-release blooming of a beargrass flower head!
Arnica is pretty thick in places this year also!
This red-needle grand fir and other dead trees are an obvious boon for feeding woodpeckers!
Travelers advisory: It may be time to head for the shed!
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!