Switchback Trail offers great views of Mud, Echo and Flathead Lakes! (Keith Hammer photos)
Sixteen Swan Rangers hiked the 79-switchback Switchback Trail on Summer Solstice Saturday, June 21, 2014!
They broke into a couple groups, reached the junction with Alpine Trail #7, turned around due to the snow pack there, and hiked 79 switchbacks on the way down also!
Due to the switchbacks, this trail is of moderate grade and a pleasant way to gain elevation, great views, and some right-brain/left-brain exercise!
Click here for a map of the Switchback Trail.
Flathead River sends a plume of muddy water into Flathead Lake near Bigfork due to recent heavy rainfall.
The Switchback Trail is free of snow until its Malfunction Junction with Alpine Trail #7 and trails accessing Mount Aeneas and Jewel Basin parking lot!
This view of the Mission Range shows how the glaciers flattened off the northern end, including Crane Mountain, while the peaks of the distant Mission Mountain Wilderness remain tall and rugged!
The view across Birch Creek and south along the Swan Crest.
A partially burned log reveals many levels of history in the tree rings revealed!
Beargrass is still opening at mid elevations, while more fully flowered lower down . . .
. . . and alder leaves are just unfolding where snow banks have recently melted!
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!