A breezy Flathead Lake! (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked the Phillips Trail on a breezy Saturday, March 28, to get a nice view of Flathead Lake!
Blue sky arrived along with a blustery cold front, then quickly departed!
Click here for a map of the Phillips Trail.
The trail passes many a big ponderosa, the biggest right at the trailhead along Hwy 35!
Dead trees continue to play a crucial role in forest ecology, becoming home to bugs and ants essential to woodpeckers!
This Oregon grape is ready to bloom!
Phillips Trail forks left/north from the Beardance Trail about a half-mile up from Hwy 35.
Crane Creek and numerous small springs cross the trail.
Rainbow over Lakeside!
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!