A great view of the Swan Valley, Swan Lake and a flooded Swan River Wildlife Refuge! (Keith Hammer photos)

Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked the Sixmile Trail to Alpine Trail #7, where they encountered deep snow pack on Saturday, June 1!

The trail to that point is mostly free of snow, lined with blooming trilium and other flowers, and punctuated by a few babbling brooks!

The Rangers left the remaining 1.5 miles to Sixmile Peak for another day when more snow has melted!

Smiles disguise the steepness of the first portion of the Sixmile Trail!

A beargrass bud getting ready to bloom!

Meadow rue blossoms showing off their hangy-down parts!

Q: Can you name the four kinds of trees shown in these five tree crowns?

A: (left to right) Spruce, subalpine fir, Douglas fir, western larch, and western larch.

Heavy and rotten snow pack near the junction with Alpine Trail #7!

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!