Mountain Air: The Glacier Institute Blog

As our expedition through Glacier National Park’s top 10 hikes continues, we shift our gaze to another marvel – the Grinnell Glacier Trail. Building on our previous explorations, let’s delve into the specifics of this trail, guided by our esteemed Outdoor Education Specialists. Grinnell Glacier Trail: Spanning approximately 10.5 miles round-trip, it’s easy to understand…

Glacier Institute Executive Director Anthony Nelson recently appeared on the KGEZ Good Morning Show. Listen as he shares all the information on Guided Hikes & Tours,  Educational Programs Offered, & the work being done to restore & Preserve Big Creek Kids Camp with hosts John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell! Click the play button below to…

Our expedition through Glacier National Park’s top 10 hikes has unveiled the grandeur of nature. Transitioning from our comprehensive overview, let’s now embark on an in-depth journey through our favorite hiking trails. We kick off this series by delving into the mesmerizing Highline Trail. Highline Trail Highlights: Spanning 11.8 miles, the Highline Trail stands as…

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering an abundance of awe-inspiring trails to explore. This majestic park is home to pristine alpine lakes, ancient glaciers, and diverse wildlife, providing an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. As the Park’s official education partner, we have tons of…

It’s one of our favorite activities in Glacier National Park; to set up a spotting scope in a crowded area and pick out some Rocky Mountain Goats or Bighorn Sheep on the cliff walls. We’ll then connect a cell phone to the scope so that people can see what we’re looking at without having to…

Embark on Guided Hikes and Courses with the Glacier Institute Nestled in the rugged peaks of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park stands as a testament to nature’s awe-inspiring grandeur. Its pristine wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife make it a paradise for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. At the Glacier Institute, we invite…

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary geologic adventure in Glacier National Park? Look no further! The Glacier Institute is thrilled to offer two upcoming geology courses, along with two incredible day hikes to the Highline Trail and Two Medicine Valley. Read on to learn more about these exciting opportunities: Two Medicine Valley Geology…

This is a magical time of year. The cottonwoods are blooming, bear cubs can be seen on the hillsides playing, and our creeks are swelling with snowmelt. It’s officially backpacking season.  I, like so many others, was drawn to Glacier National Park for the backpacking opportunities. It’s the perfect activity to not only lose the…

Most people wish they could spend more time in the outdoors, but there are too many barriers stopping people: fear of getting lost, feeling unequipped, travel time, fear of bears, etc. For forty years, the Glacier Institute has been working to connect folks to the natural world through outdoor education with the aim of reducing…

People often wonder how our rivers in northwest Montana compare to some of the more “famous” troutrivers of southwest Montana when it comes to a fly fishing vacation. Let’s provide some very conciseobservations on the generalized differences between our little corner of heaven and how it stacks upagainst those celebrity rivers in other portions of…

We’re thrilled to give a massive shoutout to the incredible team at Kalispell Cabela’s. They’ve hooked us with their incredible generosity and commitment to our community. With their recent donation of fly fishing gear, our youth fly fishing camps are going to be a total catch! There are several camps and courses that will benefit…

We love the warm welcome you’ve been giving the staff so far, please keep it coming! Next up we’re introducing Haley! Everyone, meet Haley! Haley, everyone! Role: Outdoor Education SpecialistHometown: Puyallup, WAUniversities: BA Psychology University of Washington Tacoma, MA Organizational Leadership Gonzaga University #gozags!  The five words that describe Haley’s essence are energy, possibility, hearth,…

Alright friends, it’s time to introduce you to another new member of the Glacier Institute team, Natalie Wright! Please give this city gal a warm, country welcome! Role: Outdoor Education SpecialistHometown: New York, New York 🍎University: George Washington University Our beloved Natalie from New York, yes, the city, brings to us a vast knowledge and…

Next up for staff introductions is Abby Caspersen! Put on your listening ears class, because our friend Abby has a degree in elementary education and isn’t afraid to use it! Role: Outdoor Education SpecialistHometown: Fredericksburg, VirginiaUniversity: Colorado University, Boulder #GoBuffs Abby grew up in a cozy little town outside Fredericksburg, Virginia, surrounded by woods. She…

Stories. It can all be summed up with that one word. These days, you can save yourself some dollars and spend hours researching before you come to Glacier. You arrived armed with an organized list of “Top Hikes in Glacier Park” and “Best Places to View Wildlife” ready to have a great trip, And I…

Growing up in Minnesota, our annual trip to Montana was the highlight of the year. We’d load as many sandwich ingredients as would fit in the cooler into our ‘89 Plymouth Voyager and make the 17 hour drive to Bigfork, MT to stay with my uncle for the week. While we couldn’t afford much, Glacier…

This is, by far, the most common question we hear from tourists and guests in Glacier National Park. “What do I do if I see a bear?” Well, let me tell you, the answer is simple if you can remember S.P.R.A.Y.. This quick, five-letter, mnemonic will give you the basic steps necessary to avoid bear…

Real fans of the Institute might recognize this next Outdoor Education Specialist…. Meet Josef McKee, aka Joe, better known around Big Creek as GI Joe has returned to the Institute after a summer as an intern in 2021.  Role: Outdoor Education SpecialistHometown: Paw Paw, Illinois University: Southern Illinois University #GoSalukis  Josef comes from the small town…

It’s time for another staff introduction! Everyone, please meet Liz Heneghan, one of our outstanding Outdoor Education Specialists for this season! Role: Outdoor Education SpecialistHometown: Cleveland, OhioUniversity: The Ohio State University #BuckeyeForLife Liz, better known as Lizard, brings a calm and collected demeanor to staff, thanks to her ability to use cloud watching and nature…