Hiking

Thank you to the amazing Glacier Institute community for their support at our Fourth Annual Lumberjack Ball. We are still overcome with joy and awe. We couldn’t achieve our mission…

April 27th, 2026 – Columbia Falls, MT When I started as the executive director back in 2020, one of my first goals was to get our leadership team together and…

May 5, 2025 at 3:45pmGlacier National Park – Oxbow Trail55 degrees and sunny Field Camp is slowly opening and will host its first course on Saturday, May 17: the lovely…

The Glacier Institute has successfully completed its first-ever capital campaign, Restoration Big Creek, raising over $1.5 million to preserve and enhance its flagship youth education site. The project ensures that…

It’s a warm August afternoon on the Rocky Point Trail, one of Glacier National Park’s hidden gems overlooking Lake McDonald. The waves crash gently on the distant shoreline, and golden…

Spring Reflections: Embracing Nature Journaling in Glacier National Park What do you notice in the landscape today? Is it the small fungi and lichen on the stump you’re sitting on?The…

At the Glacier Institute, we believe that education starts with presence. Before the facts, the field guides, or the trails—there’s the moment you pause, look around, and notice something for…

Introduction:Glacier National Park, known for its stunning landscapes, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, is a dream destination for hikers of all levels. But while the park offers breathtaking beauty, its…

This Post Courtesy of Western Montana Glacier Country and Glacermt.com. Glacier National Park is open year-round, and while every season in the park is stunning, fall is uniquely magical. The park’s glacial-carved…

Big Creek Outdoor Education Center is filled with laughter and excitement as we welcome back campers for the summer season! From the moment they arrive, campers are surrounded by mountain…

Meet Miss Montana USA, Mady Rigg, on the latest episode of Venture Boldly, the Discover Kalispell Chamber podcast.

Listen to the latest episode of the Venture Boldly from the Discover Kalispell Chamber Podcast. Learn about Glacier Institute's executive director, Anthony Nelson, and learn all about the good things going on in and around the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.

Our 2024 memberships are officially live and now is the time to secure your spot! This year we decided to switch things up a bit. See below for the details…

Guest Blog by 2023 Intern Kaleb Ketchum One of the highlights from GI’s summer youth programming was the Future Camp. The Future Camp, produced in conjunction with area First Peoples,…

Backpacking season in the northern Rockies is well-underway! For those that were ahead of the game, advance reservations and route planning happened months ago. For those that might want to…

As we journey deeper into our series on Glacier National Park’s top 10 hikes, we now turn our attention to the captivating Hidden Lake Overlook. Guided by our trusted Outdoor…

In our expedition through Glacier National Park’s top 10 hikes, so far we’ve covered the Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier. Shifting our focus, we now explore the captivating Iceberg Lake…

As our exploration of Glacier National Park’s top 10 hikes continues, we now venture to the tranquil Avalanche Lake Trail. Guided by our esteemed Outdoor Education Specialists, this trail promises…

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…

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, &…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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:…

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…

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!…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…