Swan Rangers eat lunch and turn around within view of a still distant Crater Notch. (Bob Muth photos and info)

Twelve Swan Rangers hiked the Crater Notch Trail Saturday, May 4, getting to within view of Crater Notch before turning around in deep snow pack!

It's a contrast of seasons, with wildflowers blooming at lower elevations and winter snow pack just beginning to melt higher up.

The Rangers saw trilliums, glacier lilies and tracks of grizzly bear, mountain lion and grouse!

Just a little snow left at the "first lunch spot," but snow aplenty from there on up!

Rangers abandon side-hilling toward Crater Notch, heading upwards for a view - as shown in the first photo.

Lunch over, Rangers head back down to where the wildflowers bloom!

Wildflowers like this glacier lily . . . 

. . . and this trillium!

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!