Smoke from spring burning limits the view of Flathead Lake. (Keith Hammer photos)
Ten Swan Rangers hiked Crane Creek on a sunny but hazy Saturday, April 28, 2018!
They hiked to the mouth of Crane Creek via the Flathead Lake Interpretive Trail, then crossed it higher up on the way to the Phillips Trail overlook!
Balsamroot near the shore of Flathead Lake.
Crane Creek empties into Flathead Lake - life's a beach!
Crane Creek along the Phillips Trail.
Hiking up the Beardance area trails allows one to look down on this osprey nest . . .
. . . atop the big ponderosa snag at the trailhead!
A surprise group photo at the Phillips Trail overlook! Just hanging out on a sunny day!
A colorful glacier lily.
A pileated woodpecker pecked its characteristic oblong feeding holes in this downed tree, showing it can go with the grain no matter which way is up!
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.
(These breakfast and departure times just shifted one hour earlier for summer and fall).
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!