Rangers at Upper Holland Lake! (Susan Brueggeman photo)
Sixteen Swan Rangers broke into two groups and hiked to Upper Holland Lake and Strawberry Lake on Saturday, June 13, 2015!
The Swan Range is the eastern border of the Flathead and Swan Valleys - and all three have so many gorgeous lakes!
This was the 498th outing for the Swan Rangers, dating back to November of 2005. Stay tuned for champagne and treats on #500, June 27!
Click here for a map of the Strawberry Lake Trail and click here for a map showing Trails #415 and #35 to Upper Holland Lake starting on the north side of (Lower) Holland Lake (better hiking, less horse poop).
Looking down on (Lower) Holland Lake and across the Swan Valley to the Mission Mountain Wilderness! (Roger Benson photo)
Strawberry Lake just north of Jewel Basin Hiking Area! (Keith Hammer photos here and after)
Echo and Flathead Lakes seen from the Strawberry Lake Trail!
Rangers gazing and grazing at Strawberry Lake!
Thimbleberry blossom.
Elderberry blossoms!
A pinedrop sprouts from the fertile hemlock forest floor!
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!