Mt. Aeneas southern view of Birch, In-Thlam-Keh and Crater Lakes! (Keith Hammer photos unless otherwise noted)
Fifteen Swan Rangers split into two groups to hike in Jewel Basin on a sunny Saturday, July 1, 2017!
Half hiked up Mt. Aeneas and half to Birch Lake!
Click here for a map of Jewel Basin Hiking Area.
Hiking up the north flank of Mt. Aeneas . . .
. . . while dodging mountain goats! This one chilling out to avoid the bugs!
Hanging out on Aeneas with friends, goats and friendly goats! (Harry Haroldson photo)
It doesn't take much of a telephoto lens to get a good goat photo on Mt. Aeneas - its more about trying to stay out of their way!
Don't let the goats distract you from the views of Flathead, Echo and Mud Lakes!
Picnic Lakes are still thawing out . . .
. . . and being fed by some really groovy snow!
The Rangers at Birch Lake! (Passerby photo via Susan Foster)
Beargrass near Birch Lake! (Susan Foster photo)
Somebody get that chilly trillium a blanket!
This trillium picked a bit sunnier spot but is already beginning to senesce or "deteriorate with age!" (Pat Jaquith photo)
Old Swan Rangers never senesce, they just hike off into the sunset!
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!