Lunch at Hall Lake, up against the Swan Crest. (Keith Hammer photos except James Hulvat's atop Hall Peak)

Thirteen Swan Rangers hiked to Hall Lake and Alpine Trail #7, while a few went on to Hall Peak on Saturday, August 31, 2013.

Those that lagged behind did so for berry good reasons!

Crossing Krause Creek. (Keith Hammer photos)

Eleven Swan Rangers hiked a loop in the shade of Krause Basin's western hemlock forest on Saturday, August 24, 2013!

It made for a cool morning hike in an area the Rangers frequent on skis and snowshoes during winter.

Bond Lake. (Keith Hammer photos)

Fourteen Swan Rangers hiked to Bond Falls and Bond Lake on Saturday, August 17, 2013!

The day started cool after an early morning rain shower, but turned hot enough soon enough!

Check out the Bigfork Eagle's full-page-plus feature article on our 400 outings - in this week's issue for sale at local businesses!

A view of Lake Blaine from Hemler Creek Trail. (Keith Hammer photos)

Eight Swan Rangers hiked into North Hemler Creek on Saturday, August 10, gaining great views of Lake Blaine and Kalispell!

Though the hike begins on a couple miles of closed road off the left fork of the Peters Ridge Road, the trail quickly ascends through old-growth fir and larch forest into tranquil apline country!

Strolling south along Breadloaf Mountain! (Keith Hammer photos)

Nine Swan Rangers hiked to Birch Lake in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area Saturday, August 3, then five continued on to top Breadloaf Mountain via Crater Notch!

It was a wonderfully cool day for hiking, following a day of refreshing rains!

Toasting our 400th Swan Ranger outing! (Keith Hammer photos)

Sixteen Swan Rangers celebrated their 400th outing on Lunch Rock up Wolf Creek Canyon on Saturday, July 27, 2013!

They toasted the occassion with sparkling apple juice and Pam's excellent Morning Glory muffins!

The first Swan Ranger outing was November 12, 2005. Since then, 398 different folks have participated and group size has averaged 9 people.

The Rangers have also contributed 328 hours of volunteer trail maintenance while out wandering around the Swan Range!

The 400th outing was up the old Bear Creek Road and trail to Wolf Creek, then up Echo - Broken Leg Trail to Elk Spring and down the ridge, making a nice shady loop on the northern slopes of Broken Leg Mountain!

Lunch at the junction with Alpine Trail #7. (Keith Hammer photos)

Sixteen Swan Rangers hiked Sixmile Peak Trail on Saturday, July 20, encountering none of the snowpack that turned them around on June 1!

It was a hot day with a bit of wildfire smoke in the sky, but cool breezes, good company and grand views were saving graces!

This was Swan Ranger outing #399 and the 400th will be celebrated next Saturday!

Looking north along the Swan Crest and Flathead Valley. (Keith Hammer photos)

Sixteen Swan Rangers hiked the Red Owl burn on Broken Leg Mountain Saturday, July 13, gaining great views of the valley below!

The Peterson Creek Trail is a great trail to gain higher elevation and cooler air at a gentle grade!

Click here to listen to a half-minute of morning bird song high on Broken Leg Mountain!

This was Swan Ranger outing #398 - the 400th is coming up in two weeks so prepare to party!

Rangers atop the Swan Crest. (Roger Benson photo)

Nineteen Swan Rangers hiked the Peters Ridge Trail Saturday, July 6, with most continuing on over snow and Alpine Trail #7 to Lamoose Lake!

It was a beautiful sunny day and the bare west side of the Swan Range continues to belie the snow pack that remains on the north-eastern slopes!

A Swan Ranger skirts an icy sink-pond along Alpine Trail #7. (Keith Hammer photos)

Seventeen Swan Rangers beat the heat on Saturday, June 29, by breaking into several groups and hiking Tongue Mountain in Jewel Basin!

They hiked on trails often still buried in snow until they reached a nice overlook of Clayton Lake and the northern half of Jewel Basin Hiking Area!