Not yet ticked, unsuspecting Rangers cross Birch Creek! (Keith Hammer photos)
Fifteen Swan Rangers hiked the Echo - Broken Leg Trail as far as Wolf Creek on Saturday, March 14, along with several dozen hitchhiking ticks!
Only a few short stretches of snow remain and, lest we repeat ourselves, the ticks are out in full force on the brushy south-facing slopes of Wolf Creek Canyon!
Click here for a map of the Echo - Broken Leg Trail. The Rangers checked the lower part of the Crater Notch Trail as well and, while it is now cleared of logging slash, it is still missing a few sections of trail tread ruined by log skidders.
As usual, Deer Creek retains the most snow along this great early-season, low-elevation trail!
Looking back from Windy Point and watching the Pineapple Express roll in from Hawaii!
The up-canyon view from Windy Point.
Trolling for ticks is easy and fun!
And they're so darned cute!
Wolf Creek emerging from Winter!
The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 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!