Entering the alpine with views of Flathead Lake. (Bob Muth photos)

Eleven Swan Rangers hiked Crater Notch Trail #187 on Saturday, October 19, while three kept to the lower Echo - Broken Leg Trail.

Fall colors persist while huckleberries are being replaced by mountain ash berries in bear scat along the way!

Click here for a free Forest Service PDF map of Crater Notch Trail #187.

Click here for Flathead National Forest District maps (free as PDFs).

A pause at Birch Creek, before the trail splits to Crater Notch or Broken Leg Mountain.

Fall colors persist . . .

. . . as one climbs into the alpine.

But it is already a bit snowy . . .

. . . at Crater Notch!

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. (Times will shift an hour later beginning Nov 2).

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.

General big game rifle season starts October 26, so it's a good time to wear bright orange while hiking as well!

Everyone is welcome!