Strawberry Lake is ice free and ready for swimming! (Keith Hammer photos)

Twelve Swan Rangers hiked to Strawberry Lake Saturday, June 8, under sunny skies following late night thunder showers!

Temperatures were perfect for hiking while the morning sun and lingering water droplets made for a photographer's delight!

The trail is free of snow and the lake is ice-free, though some snowfields linger around the lake.

This snag still clings to a piece of old telephone wire that ran to a Forest Service cabin at Strawberry Lake, but now hosts colorful lichen as well!

Mountain ash leaves unfurl as Spring reaches the high country!

Droplets from a late night thunderstorm and morning dew cling to a glacier lily along the trail!

Rangers hang out in the warm sun at Strawberry Lake . . .

. . . then take in gorgeous valley views on the return hike!

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!