Distance
2 Miles
Elevation Gain
100 Feet
Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Members Only
Program Overview
April 18, 2025: This exciting course offers an in-depth exploration of the fascinating owls of the Mission Valley, a region home to nearly a third of Montana’s impressive owl species—more than any other state in the U.S. Over the course, you’ll dive into the ecology, behaviors, and unique adaptations of these nocturnal hunters, with a focus on the nine owl species that call the valley home. By the end of the class, you’ll not only be able to confidently identify Montana’s owls but also understand their life histories and ecological roles. Plus, you’ll learn owl research techniques to help you find and observe these elusive creatures in the wild.
Owls of the Mission Valley Educational Hike
Hike Overview Continued
April 18th at 9 a.m.
Instructor: Owl Research Institute
This exciting course offers an in-depth exploration of the fascinating owls of the Mission Valley, a region home to nearly a third of Montana’s impressive owl species—more than any other state in the U.S. Over the course, you’ll dive into the ecology, behaviors, and unique adaptations of these nocturnal hunters, with a focus on the nine owl species that call the valley home. By the end of the class, you’ll not only be able to confidently identify Montana’s owls but also understand their life histories and ecological roles. Plus, you’ll learn owl research techniques to help you find and observe these elusive creatures in the wild.
Meeting Place: Kwa-Nak-Tuk Best Western Hotel in Polson, lobby
Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather) Our day will begin at 9 a.m, at our Columbia Falls Office. After a brief introduction and lecture, we will get into a Glacier Institute van and go to various locations in the Mission Valley to look for and learn about owls. This course will end by 3 p.m. and not be cancelled due to weather.
Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water, and snacks for the day.
Equipment: You will receive a Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly are comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2 liter water bottle, backpack, and warm layers. Binoculars will be provided.
Physical Requirements: Easy/moderate. Please be prepared to walk about 1 – 2 miles through flat terrain.
Transportation during the course: We will travel by Glacier Institute vehicle.
Recommended Reading:
- A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors, B.K. Wheeler and W.S. Clark
- The Birder’s Guide to Montana, T. McEneaney
- Birds of North America, Golden Guide, C. Robins, B. Bryan and R. Zip, 1966.
- A Field Guide to Birds of North America, National Geographic Society of America, 1987.
- Owls: Whoo Are They! Kila Jarvis, and Denver Holt
- Western Birding by Ear (audio recording), Peterson’s Field Guide, R. Walton and R. Lawson, 1990
What to Expect On Your Owls of the Mission Valley Day Hike
Our day will begin at 9 a.m, at our Columbia Falls Office. After a brief introduction and lecture, we will get into a Glacier Institute van and go to various locations in the Mission Valley to look for and learn about owls. This course will end by 3 p.m. and not be cancelled due to weather.
* Trails listed are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
Meeting Place: Kwa-Nak-Tuk Best Western Hotel in Polson, lobby
Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water, and snacks for the day.
Equipment: You will receive a Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly are comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2 liter water bottle, backpack, and warm layers. Binoculars will be provided.
Physical Requirements: Easy/moderate. Please be prepared to walk about 1 – 2 miles through flat terrain.
Transportation during the course: We will travel by Glacier Institute vehicle.
What to Bring
Please remember that weather in NW Montana during all seasons can change quickly from warm and sunny to freezing at any time of the year. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip. Please also check your course information sheet for specific gear requirements in addition to those listed below.
- Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
- Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook notes and sketches