This morning while preparing for my day I stop and look out my windows to the East. My eyes go directly to Mount Aeneas, one of the highest peaks in Jewel Basin Hiking area in the Swan Mountain Range on the East edge of the Flathead Valley.  I can see light reflecting off the old radio tower, just before the peak and my eyes continue north to Noisy Creek Notch.  I think of the many times I have hiked in Jewel Basin and as I start to think of future hikes my eyes return to Mount Aeneas and in my mind I am momentarily on the last part of the trail to the top of the peak.  As I climb carefully over rocks to avoid tripping I pass within just a few feet of a couple of Mountain Goats. They are so sure footed they seem to have no fear of tripping and falling over a thousand feet to Picnic Lakes below! Upon reaching the summit I am rewarded with 360-degree views, looking down Flathead Lake to Polson, across the Flathead Valley to the Cabinet Mountains, and peaks in Glacier park, the Great Bear, Bob Marshall and Mission Mountain Wilderness.  Before my decent I place a couple of rocks on one of the rock cairns.

Back in my living room I am reminded of why I live here.  The beauty is expansive and there is an abundant supply of year round outdoor activities just a short trip from the doorstep of those of us who live here and those who visit.  But living here is the ultimate and my hope is all residents take in the beauty and opportunities of the area in whatever way they can enjoy.

Jewel Basin and the surrounding area offers many wonderful day hikes (or longer) to sparkling lakes and scenic vistas. The trailhead at camp misery is about a 45-minute drive from Kalispell.  The parking lot gets quite full on nice summer days but the area is large enough to provide solitude.  For fewer crowds hike the Jewel in the fall. It’s beautiful and the Huckleberries are sweet! Many of the lakes offer some excellent high mountain fishing as well. Hiking in Northwestern Montana is unlimited with endless trails in Glacier, the Swan valley, and many wilderness areas to name a few.

For additional Hiking and recreational opportunities the Flathead has to offer contact Lori:
                                             (406) 751-4300  business
                                             (406) 250-7807  cell
                                              lori.pfankuch@coldwellbanker.com

For information on Hiking in Jewel Basin and other areas:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/wilderness/Wilderness.htm