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Glacier National Park Intergenerational Adventure: Raft, Ride and Slide

Program Number: 20884RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/9/2013 - 7/14/2013; 7/23/2013 - 7/28/2013; 7/30/2013 - 8/4/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Whitefish, Montana
Price starting at: $995.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; National Parks; Outdoor Adventures, Misc.
Intergenerational
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 8 - 12 years of age.

Create exciting memories with your grandchild as you discover the majestic peaks, sparkling rivers and green gullies of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. Learn about magnificent wildlife, plants, geology and the area’s early inhabitants on instructor-led walks and visits to favorite spots in the park. Visit the Summit Nature Center on Big Mountain, raft along Glacier's southern border, hike trails full of flora and fauna and look out over valleys, lakes and rivers from mountainsides in this beautiful, rugged landscape.




Highlights

• Take a spectacular drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and learn about the wildlife of Glacier National Park in its natural habitat.
• Develop your teamwork skills on a safe raft journey down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on Glacier's southern border.
• Soar to new heights aboard the gondola to the summit and feel the wind in your hair as you slide down the Alpine Slide.



Activity Particulars

High-elevation program, frequent walking short to moderate distances.



Coordinated by Black Hills Educational Institute.




Whitefish

This community in the Flathead Valley offers breathtaking scenery, as well as small-town ambiance. Near the wonders and wildlife of Glacier National Park only 25 miles away, Whitefish is a vibrant wilderness gateway.
Accommodations
Pine Lodge, a framed-log hotel on the Whitefish River reflecting the grandeur of Montana.
Meals and Lodgings
   The Pine Lodge
  Whitefish, Montana 5 nights
 The Pine Lodge
Type: Hotel
  Description: The log framed Pine Lodge hotel reflects the grandeur of Montana. Set on the Whitefish River, with views of Big Mountain and Glacier National Park, the Pine Lodge is unique and inviting.
  Contact info: 920 Spokane Ave
Whitefish, MT 59937 USA
phone: 406-862-7600
web: www.thepinelodge.com
  Room amenities: Hotel room amenities include: Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Hair dryers Cable Television with HBO
  Facility amenities: The hotel features: 100% Completely Non-Smoking Facility Indoor / Outdoor Pool With Connecting Swim Channel Open All Year Outdoor Hot Tub Exercise Room Guest Laundry Free Local Phone Calls Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Complimentary Airport & Amtrak Shuttle service
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call The Pine Lodge for rates For pre - post stays please contact The Pine Lodge directly.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call The Pine Lodge for rates For pre - post stays please contact The Pine Lodge directly.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check-in will be at the Pine Lodge located in Whitefish, MT. Check-in anytime after 4PM. Orientation will take place at 5PM in the hotel meeting room. You will be staying at The Pine Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast. Hotel check-out by 11AM. You will be staying at The Pine Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. There will be waivers for activities on Big Mountain and for the float trip that will need to be signed and returned ahead of program start.
  Parking availability:
There is plenty of free parking available at The Pine Lodge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Whitefish, Montana
  Nearest highway: Hwy 93
  Nearest airport:  Glacier International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Whitefish, Montana
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Whitefish, MT

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
The Pine Lodge Shuttle
phone: 406-862-7600
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary Hotel Shuttle
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

11 miles
   

Please call the Pine Lodge at (406) 862-7600 for advanced reservations.
 

Whitefish, MT

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
The Pine Lodge Shuttle
phone: 406-862-7600
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary Hotel Shuttle
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

1 mile
   

Please call the Pine Lodge at (406) 862-7600 for advanced reservations.
 

Whitefish, MT

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
The Pine Lodge Shuttle
phone: 406-862-7600
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary Hotel Shuttle
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

1 mile
   

Please call the Pine Lodge at (406) 862-7600 for advanced reservations.
 
Driving Directions
  Glacier Park International Airport Turn left onto Hwy 2 from airport. Drive approximately 4 1/2 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 40 at the first light. Drive approximately 5 miles to the intersection of Hwy 93. Drive approximately 1.7 miles. The Pine Lodge, 920 Spokane Ave, will be on your left.
Elevation Note: Whitefish, MT is at 3,028'. The highest elevation you'll experience during the week is 7,000'.

Equipment Requirements: Warm waterproof clothing, swimsuit, sturdy hiking boots, waterproof shoes / sandals (for float trip), a day pack, collapsible walking stick, hat and a leak proof water bottle are highly recommended.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals / Orientation
(Tuesday, July 9)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in anytime after 4PM at the Pine Lodge. Orientation will be at 5PM in the hotel meeting room.
 Dinner: Catered Dinner in the hotel meeting room following Orientation.
 Evening: Free time to get settled in after dinner.
   
Accommodations: The Pine Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Big Mountain Discovery / Aerial Adventure / Gondola to the Summit / Alpine Slide
(Wednesday, July 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the Base Lodge of Big Mountain Resort.
 Morning: The day opens with discovery and adventure as we go to Big Mountain Ski Resort to take part in an Aerial Adventure. Next, we'll ride the big Gondola to the summit at 7,000 feet of elevation. There we'll have an interpretive talk about the geology and ecology of the this spectacular part of the Rocky Mountains which contains Glacier National Park. We'll get an overview of the Flathead Valley area and a look across the peaks into Glacier from Big Mountain Resort. At the Summit Nature Center we'll learn to identify animals by their footprints or their scat. We'll also have the chance to see and hold some natural elements.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Summit
 Afternoon: After lunch and a chance to walk around the Summit, we'll ride the Gondola down the mountain to the top of the Alpine Slide. This family fun activity allows everyone the chance to use the mountain's gravity to propel them at their own pace down this fun Alpine Slide
 Dinner: Dinner at a local family friendly restaurant in Whitefish.
 Evening: Tonight is a good chance to unwind with a visit to the Lodge swimming pool or hot tub for a soak. Otherwise, just enjoy the view of the Whitefish River from the back deck of the hotel.
   
Accommodations: The Pine Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Glacier National Park / Lake McDonald Valley / Flathead Audubon Society Program / Interpretive Hikes
(Thursday, July 11)
   
 Breakfast: Catered Breakfast in the hotel meeting room.
 Morning: We'll head out of town this morning, and into Glacier National Park about 25 miles away. We'll enter the Park at West Glacier and begin our exploration of this magnificent Park. En route we'll stop for some sight seeing and walk / talks in the beautiful Lake McDonald Valley accompanied by local instructors with the Flathead Audubon Society providing expert interpretation.
 Lunch: We'll have a sack lunch somewhere along the way on our day of discovery in Park.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, we'll enjoy more that this beautiful Park has to offer on another hike and interpretation with our Flathead Audubon Society instructors. Afterwards we'll depart back to the Pine Lodge.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local family friendly restaurant in Whitefish.
 Evening: Tonight is a good chance to unwind with a visit to the Lodge swimming pool or hot tub for a soak. Otherwise, just enjoy the view of the Whitefish River from the back deck of the hotel.
   
Accommodations: The Pine Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field Trip to Logan Pass via the Going-to-the-Sun Road / Interpretive Hike
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Breakfast: Catered Breakfast in the hotel meeting room.
 Morning: This morning we depart on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (weather permitting). As we ride along the famous road, we'll be treated to local native interpretation, with stops along the way.
 Lunch: We'll have a sack lunch somewhere along the way on our day of discovery in Park.
 Afternoon: We'll get to the Summit at Logan Pass to experience standing on the 'Backbone of the World' as the natives called the mountains. Here, we'll take an interpretive hike. This afternoon we'll depart back to the Pine Lodge,
 Dinner: Catered Dinner in the hotel meeting room.
 Evening: Tonight is a good chance to unwind with a visit to the Lodge swimming pool or hot tub for a soak. Otherwise, just enjoy the view of the Whitefish River from the back deck of the hotel. .
   
Accommodations: The Pine Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Whitefish Lake Institute Program / Downtown Whitefish / Scenic Float Trip
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Breakfast: Catered Breakfast in the hotel meeting room.
 Morning: This morning we'll join experts from the Whitefish Lake Institute and get a big-picture view of Whitefish Lake and be introduced to the timeline of the area, from its geological formation through today. Scientists will explain the complex food web of the lake, the native and introduced fish species that are found there, and talk about the changes that are brought about by introduced species. And, we'll participate in some guided scientific research of our own. Following the presentation, enjoy some free time in Whitefish. The historic downtown has unique shopping opportunities, numerous art galleries and exhibits, and is very pedestrian friendly. The nearby Whitefish Railway Depot houses the Stumptown Historical Society museum with railroad memorabilia from the turn of the century to today. The 1927 Great Northern Railway Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
 Lunch: Lunch will be on-your-own to discover the local cuisine.
 Afternoon: This afternoon adventure awaits! Grab a paddle and take a guided scenic rafting float trip down the beautiful North Fork of the Flathead River. You'll learn to paddle in cooperation with others as expert leaders guide the raft ride. Following the scenic float, we'll return to the Pine Lodge.
 Dinner: Tonight we will have a Catered Dinner in the hotel meeting room. It is our final meal together as we reminisce together about the fun we've had and the friends we've made.
 Evening: Closing and conclusion of program.
   
Accommodations: The Pine Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Independent Departures
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast in the Pine Lodge Lobby
 Morning: Hotel check-out by 11AM.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Glacier - A Natural History Guide


Author: David Rockwell


Description: A jewel in the national park system, Glacier National Park encompasses one of the richest and diverse natural regions in North America. The vast watersheds of the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Hudson Bay converge here, creating a dramatic landscape filled with plants and animals unique to those three basins. Author and naturalist David Rockwell presents in-depth descriptions of the geology, history, flora, and fauna of the park. He explains the park's evolution from the erosion of Siberian mountains more than a billion years ago to the glaciers that gave Glacier National Park its distinctive landscape. He examines the park's great predators-grizzly bears, mountain lions, and wolves-and their complex relationship with their prey. The result is a fascinating and intimate portrait of one of the world's last wild places.



Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park's Highway to the Sky


Author: C.W. Guthrie


Description: Traveling Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is an experience like no other. Laborers toiled for nearly 20 years to complete the 50-mile road that winds an impossible route through the heart of Glacier. One of the most scenic highways in the world, this marvel of engineering set the standard for all national parks. C. W. Guthrie tells the intriguing tale of the history and the construction of the epic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Includes more than 60 black-and-white historic and color photographs, maps.



Geology Along Going-to-the-Sun Road


Author: Raup, Earhart, Whipple, and Carrara


Description: With this colorful and lively guide, Glacier National Park visitors can tour the fascinating geologic events that created the park's majestic scenery. Complete with an easy-to-read map that offers a three-dimensional perspective on the area's geology, Geology Along Going-to-the-Sun Road gives lay readers and geologists alike a glimpse into Glacier's unique geologic summary.



Grizzly Country


Author: Andy Russell


Description: The grizzly bear has always inspired awe in man, but the animal's true nature and character has long been shrouded in myth. Few people know grizzlies as Andy Russell does, and in Grizzly Country he shares stories from a lifetime of experience observing them, first as hunter, then as cameraman. In wonderfully engaging prose, he reveals the life cycle of this remarkable creature.



Wildflowers of Glacier National Park


Author: Shannon Kimball and Peter Lesica


Description: Wildflowers of Glacier National Park and Surrounding Areas is a user-friendly field guide featuring over 300 of Glacier National Park's most common plant species. From wildflowers to trees to grasses and sedges, this book features beautiful photographs, detailed descriptions, notes on habitat and fun facts for each plant. It's a perfect plant reference for anyone with an interest in the natural history and splendor of Glacier National Park.



KIDS: Glacier National Park: Adventure, Explore, Discover


Author: David Aretha


Description: Thousands of years ago, glaciers of the last ice age carved the majestic terrain that became Glacier National Park. Students will learn about the home of hundreds of species of animals and over a thousand plant species. The park is located in northern Montana and readers will find out how best to visit the park, depending on if they are hiking, camping or driving through. Includes color photographs and illustrations, glossary, chapter notes, further reading list, and index. 128 pages.



KIDS: Going to Glacier National Park


Author: Alan Leftridge


Description: Designed for children ages 8 to 13, Going to Glacier is packed with fun and fascinating information about Glacier National Park. Authored by Alan Leftridge, seasonal ranger and naturalist, the colorfully illustrated book details the parks namesake glaciers, flora and fauna, dramatic weather, Indians and early settlers, historic sites and structures, and the effects of fire. The book also features maps and interpretive information for hikes that the kids will love. A must-have for families traveling to Glacier National Park!



KIDS: Born Wild in Glacier National Park


Author: Donald M. Jones


Description: Springtime in Glacier National Park is where the wild things are---baby wild things! This charming collection of candid and sometimes comical images by wildlife photographer Donald M. Jones is devoted entirely to the park's junior residents.





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