Crossing South Krause Creek. (Keith Hammer photos)

Eleven Swan Rangers skied a loop in Krause Basin on a sweet and snowy Winter Solstice!

They skied up North Krause Creek and down Peters Ridge road in nearly a foot of champagne powder!

An old network of roads in Krause Basin, snowed in during winter and great for skiing and snowshoeing, are shown on the Swan Lake District Map.

The first fork in the road, with Strawberry Mountain in the background.

The old road narrows and becomes a cozy ski trail in winter!

Western hemlocks nod their heads in true Montana fashion as one passes by!

A glimpse of the Peters Ridge high country along the way up North Krause Creek!

Only a bit of North Krause Creek shows itself at what would prove to be a testy crossing of a punchy snow bridge!

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.

Everyone is welcome!

HAPPY SOLSTICE!