A salamander out for a snowy stroll! (Keith Hammer photos)

Eleven Swan Rangers hiked the old road from Bear Creek to Wolf Creek on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

They didn't see a bear or a wolf, but they did see a salamander braving the fresh snow!

A group photo along the old Bear Creek Road.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - er, Halloween?

This larch is maybe thinking it needs to shed the rest of its needles before winter?

But the long-needled ponderosa pine is tough enough!

Destination: Wolf Creek. Always a beautiful winter time scene!

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.

NOTE THE ABOVE TIMES ARE THE RANGERS' HOUR-LATER WINTER HOURS - UNTIL MAY!

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.

It's a good idea to wear bright colors, if not "hunter orange," during big game rifle season Oct 20 - Nov 25.

Everyone is welcome!