Category: Swan Mountains and Valley

SNAP*Shot: Vibrant, Unique Western Larch

Posted on by Joy

When autumn arrives, it is time to head north to savor the unique and beautiful Western larch, called tamaracks in western Montana. Our first stop in Swan Valley is a marvelous view of Swan Peak, the second highest peak in the 99-mile Swan Range. Swan Peak stands at 9,289 feet, with the highest peak only 67 feet taller.  Swan Valley ranges from 2,000 to about 2,500 feet giving us a spectacular 6,000+ foot rise to mountain tops. This time of year the mountains gleam with the tamaracks’ autumn gold. Let’s explore the grandeur of these glowing yellow trees of the North.

Western Larch, tamaracks

So much more to see . . .

Amazing 99 Mile View from Clearwater Lake

Posted on by Joy

The Swan Mountains are dead ahead as we travel up the loop road for seven miles to Clearwater Lake. Our hike today takes us around the 120-acre lake through old growth forests. With autumn just beginning, we should get color on the smaller shrubs and plants. What really piqued my interest about this adventure is the chance to see loons. Clearwater Lake serves as the summer home for many ducks and Common Loons. Although late in the season, let’s hope for the best. There is nothing quite like the call of loons!

swan mountains

This is exciting, let’s go . . .

Holland Lake Falls–Seeing It At Last!

Posted on by Joy

Third time is a charm. Today we WILL get to the base of the falls on Holland Creek which connects Upper Holland Lake and the much larger 416-acre Holland Lake. The hike to the upper lake is about 12 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,600 feet. The hike to Holland Lake Falls is 3.3 miles round trip with a 750 foot elevation gain. Guess which one we are doing–remembering I’m wimpy.

I’ve walked this trail before but could never find access to the base of the falls. Today I will not be denied, and although it is mostly cloudy, rain is not forecast, the sun peaks through here and there, the smoke from fires north and west has subsided, and it is only in the upper 60s. What a day for a pleasant late morning hike. Sitting at the base of Carmine Peak in the Swan Mountains, welcome to Holland Lake!

Grab your gear, let’s go . . .

Newbie in the Jewel

Posted on by Joy

What a beautiful day! Time to explore Jewel Basin, 15,349 acres in the Swan Mountains, west of Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. The Jewel is dedicated to hiking–no bicycles, no horses, and nothing motorized–boasting 27 alpine lakes and 35 miles of trails. Twin Lakes is a five-mile round trip excursion that I can’t resist, so let’s go!

entrance-

Continue our walk . . .