Distance
3 Miles
Elevation Gain
100 Feet
Difficulty
Easy
Members Only
Program Overview
*Members Only Course: Becoming a member grants you access to all NEW Glacier Institute Field Courses for free, and gives you 50% off all legacy Glacier Institute Field Courses. Thank you for supporting outdoor education!
June 29, 2025: The geology class of the Flathead Valley in Montana offers an immersive, hands-on exploration of the region’s dynamic geological history. Through visits to key locations such as the Flathead River, Glacier National Park, and the surrounding mountain ranges, students will learn about the forces that shaped the valley’s diverse landscape. Topics covered include tectonic plate movements, glacial erosion, fluvial processes, and the formation of large lakes and basins.
Geology of the Flathead Valley
Hike Overview Continued
*Members Only Course: Becoming a member grants you access to all NEW Glacier Institute Field Courses for free, and gives you 50% off all legacy Glacier Institute Field Courses. Thank you for supporting outdoor education!
June 29 at 8 a.m.
Instructor: Ashley Mason
The geology class of the Flathead Valley in Montana offers an immersive, hands-on exploration of the region’s dynamic geological history. Through visits to key locations such as the Flathead River, Glacier National Park, and the surrounding mountain ranges, students will learn about the forces that shaped the valley’s diverse landscape. Topics covered include tectonic plate movements, glacial erosion, fluvial processes, and the formation of large lakes and basins. By studying landforms like U-shaped valleys, moraines, alluvial fans, and fault lines, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the geological processes that have shaped the Flathead Valley over millions of years.
Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp
Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather)
Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water, hot drink, and snacks for the day.
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
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, rain gear, hat, sunscreen and warm layers.
Physical Requirements: Easy. We will be taking a short 2 – 3 mile hike with minimal elevation change.
Recommended Reading:
● Geology of the Rocky Mountains by Robert S. Hatcher
● Glacier National Park: A Guide to the Geology by David D. Alt and Donald W. Hyndman
What to Expect On Your Geology of the Flathead Valley Course
Through visits to key locations such as the Flathead River, Glacier National Park, and the surrounding mountain ranges, students will learn about the forces that shaped the valley’s diverse landscape. Topics covered include tectonic plate movements, glacial erosion, fluvial processes, and the formation of large lakes and basins. By studying landforms like U-shaped valleys, moraines, alluvial fans, and fault lines, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the geological processes that have shaped the Flathead Valley over millions of years.
* Trails listed are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp
Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water, hot drink, and snacks for the day.
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
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, rain gear, hat, sunscreen and warm layers.
Physical Requirements: Easy. We will be taking a short 2 – 3 mile hike with minimal elevation change.
What to Bring
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes
- 1-2 liter Water Bottle
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook with pencils