Flathead Lake viewed from the lower slopes of "The Knob!" (Keith Hammer photos)
Nine Swan Rangers hiked "The Knob" in Krause Basin on a sunny Saturday, May 12, 2018!
They topped out at 4,000 feet elevation in their quest to avoid deep snow and high waters!
What are the gators for, ticks or snow?
The bottom of Krause Basin is like a refrigerator, with the packed ski trails the last to melt!
With snow bridges gone, the water high, and this old log footbridge looking iffy, the Rangers instead looped back over "The Knob!"
Though Krause Basin is closed to motorized use during Spring to protect emerging grizzly bears and calving elk, there seems an endless supply of motorized outlaws that ignore the closure signs!
Arnica has started blooming in the sunnier spots!
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.
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!