Rangers last seen here before going off-track! (Keith Hammer photos)
Twelve Swan Rangers bushwhacked up Noisy Creek on a partly sunny Saturday, December 22, 2018!
Part of the bushwhack included the overgrown Noisy Creek Road that runs out the north end of North Shore Nordic's Foothills Ski Area!
Noisy Creek is running cold and clear!
Though badly overgrown and full of deadfall, the old Noisy Ceek Road does not qualify as a bushwhack . . .
. . . until hawthorn is encountered!
The turn-around point was when the Rangers ran into the private land clearcut seen in the distance from the ski area parking lot.
There they found a nice-sized juniper tree similar to the one found not far downslope on the ski area's Wildcat Loop!
This fungus had a wet plastic appearance.
Noisy Creek and other water sources provide a nice mix of birch, cottonwood, fir, and spruce!
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!