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

Ten Swan Rangers hiked Crane Mountain's Phillips Trail on Saturday, May 3, finding it snow-free!

The trail offers great views of Flathead Lake and is about 3.5 miles one-way from Highway 35 to the Crane Mountain Road at the top (and the same darned distance back down)!

Click here for a map of the Phillips Trail.

Fresh as daisies, but . . .

. . . among shooting stars . . .

. . . and calypso orchids!

A seasoned hiker takes time to enjoy!

Mauzey Creek carries away the last bits of snow nearby!

The trailhead at the Crane Mountain Road.

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!