Swan River and Swan Range above the dam. (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers hiked the Swan River Nature Trail near Bigfork on a rainy Saturday, March 18, 2017!
The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork has proposed to expand the trail system on PacifiCorp lands on both sides of the river in this area!
Click here for a news article announcing a public meeting about the trail plan this Wednesday, March 22, and providing a link to the trail plan map!
A low-head dam diverts water into a flume leading to the power house in downtown Bigfork!
Below the dam, it's a "Wild Mile" of whitewater to Bigfork Bay of Flathead Lake!
The Nature Trail is currently mostly bare, with a bit of ice pack near the upper end.
The ducks are moving in as the ice leaves: here two males and a female hooded merganser!
This goldeneye duck must have been partying on St. Patrick's Day. He looks a little blurryeyed too!
With the Swan River on one side and forested cliffs on the other, the Nature Trail is a real gem!
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!