Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about our Columbia Falls Office location
Nope, we've got it covered for you. Participation in a Glacier Institute course in Glacier National Park acts as your vehicle reservation for the day.
You will, however, need to get a Park Site Pass. You can do that at recreation.gov.
The main office for the Glacier Institute is located at 320 Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls, MT, 59912. We're just across from the bowling alley in downtown Columbia Falls.
Yes, the Park Pass is required for every visitor into the Park, including those attending our courses. Anyone can purchase one of these at any time. To purchase a Glacier National Park Site Pass visit www.recreation.gov.
You will NOT need to get a Vehicle Reservation. Participation in this course acts as your vehicle reservation for the day.
Yes, we have a limited amount of parking in our parking lot, and are surrounded in streets that allow free parking as well.
These are the programs that leave from our office in downtown Columbia Falls:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road Day Hikes
- Personalized Educational Tours
- Columbia Falls Youth Day Camp
Frequently asked questions about Field Camp
Nope, no need. Participation in your course with the Glacier Institute acts as your Vehicle Reservation. You will, however, need to get a Park Site Pass. You can do that at recreation.gov.
Field Camp is located just inside the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. There is a left turn about 1/4 mile inside the gate with a sign that says "Glacier Institute." In about another 1/4 mile the road T's and we are to the left, follow the signs.
Here is a link for Google Maps - LINK
Yes, the Park Pass is required for every visitor into the Park, including those attending our courses. Anyone can purchase one of these at any time. To purchase a Glacier National Park Site Pass visit www.recreation.gov.
We take care of it all for you! Transportation, lodging, food, and an amazing educational experience is all included.
If you are needing to be picked up from the airport, please email register@glacierinstitute.org.
We have 5 guest cabins that sleep up to 5 people. Our cabins are basic, hostel-style cabins with 5 single beds, bedside lights, and electrical outlets. Participants should be prepared to share a cabin with up to 4 other people. Cabins are separated by gender. Couples may be paired up in the event there is ample space. We provide a bottom sheet for your bed as well as a pillow and pillowcase, but please bring a warm sleeping bag. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp for night trips to the bathroom.
We do have sleeping bags to rent if needed.
Yes, you will need to call the office at 406-755-1211 to schedule the course.
We do not have any tent spaces or RV spots at Field Camp.
Yes, although neither are incredibly strong. We recommend that guests "unplug" during their visit, but recognize this isn't always possible.
Please email register@glacierinstitute.org with the requested dates, contact information, and number of attendants.
Yes, you can add lunches when you sign up for a course. We do offer gluten free and vegan options, these can be selected at checkout.
We will provide transportation inside Glacier National Park for all of our courses. If you are needing to be picked up from the airport for a multiday course, please email register@glacierinstitute.org.
We rate Hiking Difficulty from Easy to Strenous, with the below types of hikes.
Easy. After an indoor presentation we will take to the trail to practice matching flowers. Hiking distance covers less than three miles with less than 300 feet of elevation change.
Easy/Moderate. We will be hiking on various trails at an easy pace, there will be frequent stops to identify plants and animals of Glacier National Park. Hiking distance covers less than five miles per day, with less than 500 feet of elevation change.
Moderate. We will be hiking to various sites at an easy pace, stopping frequently to listen for and identify bird songs. The hiking may be on or off trail in brushy and marshy areas, up to 3 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation change.
Moderate/Strenuous. We will spend the week seeing and learning as much as possible about Glacier National Park. Most of our hikes will range from 8-12 miles in length. The hikes will be moderate to moderately strenuous with elevation gains of 400-2,700 feet. All of the hikes are on maintained trails and will take place between elevations of 5,000 to 8,100 feet.
Strenuous. We will spend the day in the Two Medicine Valley surrounded by glacially carved mountains and lakes. We will hike at a moderate pace to discuss the landscape. The hike will be up to 10 miles with 2,300 feet in elevation changes.
Frequently asked questions about Big Creek Programs
Please bring your young learner to Big Creek Outdoor Education Center. It is located 20 miles north of Columbia Falls on the North Fork Rd. The address is 6500 North Fork Rd, Polebridge, MT 59936.
Yes, please fill out the health forms as soon as possible after booking, these will be emailed to you after registering.
Yes, you will need to have a doctor’s note for ALL medications your child is bringing to camp. This includes over the counter medicine.
Big Creek is a SCREEN FREE CAMPUS and we're proud of it. This is a great opportunity for your kids to unplug and get "connected" to the outdoors. The site is completely off the grid, but our staff have the ability to communicate in case of emergency.
Please call the office at 406-755-1211 and we will put you in contact with the camp if needed.
Yes, please apply for a scholarship if money is a barrier to coming on our of our programs. Since our inception in 1983, we have never turned a child away. Apply for a scholarship HERE.
They are welcome to bring their own equipment or rent the backpacking gear from us.
No need to go out and buy equipment, we have everything they will need. If you already have equipment, you are welcome to bring it.
Campers will be staying in one of two large bunkhouses with bathrooms.
Overall frequently asked questions
Thank you for asking! As a 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax deductible. You can donate or become a member on our SUPPORT US page. Thank you for supporting our important mission to strengthen connections to the natural world through outdoor education.
Memberships are a great way to support our organization and get a sweet discount! All members get 10% off your course registration fees, and the different levels of membership come with a cool swag item as well! Become a member today HERE!
We do have a need for volunteers from time to time, please email register@glacierinstitute.org to inquire.
We rate Hiking Difficulty from Easy to Strenous, with the below types of hikes.
Easy. After an indoor presentation we will take to the trail to practice matching flowers. Hiking distance covers less than three miles with less than 300 feet of elevation change.
Easy/Moderate. We will be hiking on various trails at an easy pace, there will be frequent stops to identify plants and animals of Glacier National Park. Hiking distance covers less than five miles per day, with less than 500 feet of elevation change.
Moderate. We will be hiking to various sites at an easy pace, stopping frequently to listen for and identify bird songs. The hiking may be on or off trail in brushy and marshy areas, up to 3 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation change.
Moderate/Strenuous. We will spend the week seeing and learning as much as possible about Glacier National Park. Most of our hikes will range from 8-12 miles in length. The hikes will be moderate to moderately strenuous with elevation gains of 400-2,700 feet. All of the hikes are on maintained trails and will take place between elevations of 5,000 to 8,100 feet.
Strenuous. We will spend the day in the Two Medicine Valley surrounded by glacially carved mountains and lakes. We will hike at a moderate pace to discuss the landscape. The hike will be up to 10 miles with 2,300 feet in elevation changes.
We know that plans change, accidents happen, and situations arise that may impact your ability to attend your scheduled program with the Glacier Institute. We ask that cancellations be made 7 days in advance of your program. Should you need to cancel with less than 7 days notice, please call or email our office to discuss.