A frosty wet meadow and trees above Estes Lake. (Norma Linsky photos)
Six Swan Rangers hiked trails linking the Phillips Trail to Estes Lake on Crane Mountain on Saturday, November 28, 2015!
Though it was quite nippy out, the Rangers spent most of the day on the six-mile loop - a pace one Ranger said qualified them to "run Congress!"
Click here for a map of the Estes Lake Trail and its connector to the upper Phillips trailhead.
The Rangers tread where glaciers once scoured the bedrock!
Estes Lake is nicely frozen over!
Flathead Lake, seen from a cliffy overlook below Estes Lake, attempts to merge with the clouds!
A frosted mountain spray bush along the way!
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!