Inverted valley fog imitates Glacial Lake Missoula! (Keith Hammer photos)

Ten Swan Rangers hiked a sunny Peters Ridge above inverted valley fog on Saturday, October 26, 2013!

They swore they'd not return until the fog burned off, but finally had to give it up and go home!

Click here for a free Forest Service PDF map of Peters Ridge Trail #37.

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

It was even sunny on the moon - or at least half of it!

There's nothing like blue sky and fall colors, like these ripe mountain ash berries!

Rangers attempt hunter's orange camouflage among mountain ash, with mixed success.

"We're going to stay up here until the fog burns out of the valley."

Out of food, out of hope, headed back down to the dreaded valley fog!

The Rangers challenged their 14" saw blades while clearing this log from the trail, pushing their volunteer trail maintenance very near the 400 hour mark!

The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills. (These are our "winter" hours November through April).

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 started October 26, so it's a good time to wear bright orange while hiking as well!

Everyone is welcome!