Flathead Lake seen through the clouds. (Roger Benson photos).

Eight Swan Rangers hiked the Switchback Trail on Saturday, May 24, managing to dodge the rain showers!

They hiked up to the remaining snowpack, seeing three blue grouse and lots of trillium and glacier lilies along the way.

Many thanks go out to Jim V., who cleared the trail of many a large blow-down tree the week prior!

Click here for a map of the Switchback Trail. It actually shows almost all of the 79 switchbacks!

At the trailhead, just beyond mile marker 3 on the Jewel Basin Road.

Woodpeckers have been at work on this big old tree!

Above the big old trees the hillside gets even steeper, but offers great views from an open, south-facing slope!

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!