Clouds above, clouds below, a bit of rain, but at least it ain't snow! (Keith Hammer photos)

Nine Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Road on a rather drippy day Saturday, May 18!

Krause Basin and the upper reaches of Peters Ridge Road are closed to motor vehicles until July 1 to protect calving elk, grizzly bears and other wildlife.

The rangers saw tracks and scat of elk, grizzly bear and wolf - and lots of wildflowers!

The 1988 Noisy Face Recreation Plan provides a bit of security for wildlife during Spring in Krause Basin.

Why is this Swan Ranger smiling?

New hiking shoes!

The youngest Ranger was the first to spy clematis vines climbing nearby trees!

A vireo's nest yet to be hidden by budding leaves in some mountain alder!

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!