Smiling faces under smokey skies at Estes Lake. (Keith Hammer photos)

Eight Swan Rangers hiked to Estes Lake on Crane Mountain Saturday, September 15, opting not to climb and choke on wildfire smoke that is limiting mountaintop views!

They picked up trash around the lake and packed it out, after continuing on far enough to get a nice view of Flathead Lake's Woods Bay!

Though the trail is heavily worn by 4-wheel ATVs . . .

. . . it passes by several nice wet meadows . . .

. . . and arrives at Estes Lake nestled among forests of fir, pine and cedar!

Another quarter-mile provides nice views of Flathead Lake and the Woods Bay area - and the Salish Mountains across the lake when not obscured by wildfire smoke.

Like many areas accessed by roads or ATV trails, however, Estes Lake provided the opportunity to pack out discarded beer and liquor bottles!

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!