Mushrooms in Echo-Broken Leg Trail. (Keith Hammer photos)

Nine Swan Rangers hiked to above Elk Spring on Saturday, September 29, and also cleared deadfall from the Elk Spring and Echo-Broken Leg Trails.

It was a very smokey day and valley views were limited, but both the fall colors and the companionship were grand!

The Rangers attempt to look like mushrooms in the trail!

Blue sky above, a layer of smoke, and a bit of sunshine nonetheless lighting up the Mud Lake area!

Flathead Lake, on the other hand, is nowhere to be seen!

A very limby deadfall was cleared to prevent an ugly detour developing around it . . .

. . . and a deadfall across the trail was made into a curb helping keep the trail on the hillside!

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!