Umbrella parathesis. (Keith Hammer photos)

Ten Swan Rangers hiked the Swan River Trail upstream from Bigfork on a rainy Saturday, April 26, 2014!

This is always an enjoyable spring hike when the frontcountry wildflowers are blooming and the backcountry is still snowed in!

The trail is on the old road to Bigfork, from before Bigfork had a bridge and when retaining walls were built by hand!

Each spring is a contest to see whether geese or osprey win use of this nest by the dam!

Arrowleaf balsamroot is an early bloomer on the dry, south-facing slopes.

Fern-leaved desert parsley blossoms collecting rain drops.

A glacier lily completes this yellow flower trilogy.

Like glacier lilies, triliums also appear soon after snow melt!

Still life with ferns.

A shooting star!

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.

NOTE THESE MEETING TIMES JUST SHIFTED AN HOUR EARLIER FOR MAY - OCTOBER!

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!