Lunch at the junction with Alpine Trail #7. (Keith Hammer photos)

Sixteen Swan Rangers hiked Sixmile Peak Trail on Saturday, July 20, encountering none of the snowpack that turned them around on June 1!

It was a hot day with a bit of wildfire smoke in the sky, but cool breezes, good company and grand views were saving graces!

This was Swan Ranger outing #399 and the 400th will be celebrated next Saturday!

Welcome to the alpine . . .

. . . which soon yields great views of Swan and Flathead Lakes to the west . . . 

. . . and a  view of the Swan Valley to the south, flanked on the left by the Swan Range and on the right by the Mission Mountains.

The last pitch to the peak . . .

. . . which offers views into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and more!

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!