Flathead Lake from the Phillips Trail. (Keith Hammer photos)

Eleven Swan Rangers hiked the Phillips Trail on Crane Mountain on Saturday, October 12, 2013.

It was an overcast day, but the fall colors were beautiful regardless!

The Phillips Trail offers several nice spots for lunch and views of Flathead Lake!

Nice bridge and nice people over Crane Creek!

The Phillips Trail also passes by a number of big, old ponderosa pines!

A shot-up sign warning sportsmen that shooting up signs is "like shooting ourselves in the foot!"

A bit of Swan Ranger trail clearing along the way!

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.

General big game rifle season starts October 26, with a special youth hunt October 17-18, so it's a good time to wear bright orange while hiking as well!

Everyone is welcome!