A Ranger returns from Crater Notch with views of the Swan River and Flathead Lake! (Keith Hammer photos)

Twelve Swan Rangers hiked the Crater Notch Trail on Saturday, June 15, under beautiful sunny skies!

The trail is free of snow until the Notch itself and there are bear grass blooms galore along the way!

A short break at "the lunch spot" on the way up.

The view west from Crater Notch includes Mud, Echo and Flathead Lakes!

The view east includes the Flathead Range far across Jewel Basin and Hungry Horse Reservoir!

"Roger's Route" onto Bread Loaf Mountain south of Crater Notch was left for another day when he could join us!

A number of Spotted Coral Root were blooming along the trail!

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!