Got gators? The snow appears to be very deep! (Keith Hammer photos)

Eleven Swan Rangers hiked and snowshoed into Cottonwood Bottom in Krause Basin on Saturday, November 16, 2013!

The snow in Krause Basin is a good 18" deep - knee deep even when not posing on one's knees!

Two Rangers on snowshoes broke trail and the rest followed on foot. 

While there is no Forest Service map specific to Krause Basin, the Swan Lake Ranger District map shows most of the trail/old road network in Krause Basin.

Click here for Flathead National Forest District maps (free as PDFs).

The peace of winter is returning once again to the Hemlock forests of Krause Basin!

One of the few snow-laden Hemlock boughs that didn't unload on the Rangers' heads!

A shy Godzilla snow ghost turns its back as the Rangers pass by!

The south fork of Krause Creek meanders through Cottonwood Bottom!

The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 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 runs Oct 26 - Dec 1, so it's a good time to wear bright orange while hiking!

Everyone is welcome!