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.
Jokers wild!
Contemplation of peace and quiet - or fish?
Looks like this ponderosa snag has seen lightning before, but the knob where it resides . . .
. . . offers partial views of Flathead Lake . . .
. . . and the cliffs across Cougar Canyon!
One of several wet meadows along the triail.
Flowers along the trail included lady's slipper . . .
. . . yellow coralroot (Pat Jaquith photo) . . .
. . . mariposa lily . . .
. . . larkspur . . .
. . . and a sprouting rein orchid alongside last year's dried stalk!
The Rangers saw several of these piles of castings about half the size of a soda can. Ants, worms?
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!