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Montana

The Best of Glacier National Park

Program No. 2101660MEADV-0419

Discover Glacier National Park as you raft Flathead River, explore alpine trails, visit pristine lakes and learn how glaciers carved this stunning landscape eons ago.

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

6 days

Program Begins

Lake McDonald in West Glacier

Program Concludes

Lake McDonald in West Glacier

Meals

13 ( 5B, 4L, 4D )

Activity Level

From our lodging inside Glacier National Park, explore different areas of the park daily and return to relax on cool summer evenings on spectacular Lake McDonald. Experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park — so named because its dramatic landscape was carved by glaciers eons ago. Encounter the wonder and splendor within this “Crown of the Continent” during daily field trips to the Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass and along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Field trips are enhanced by instructors, naturalists and other experts detailing the variety of life, mammoth lakes and serrated peaks in one of nature’s greatest works of art.

Best of all, you'll...

Travel the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road for spectacular views of rugged peaks, vast valleys and idyllic waterfalls.
Float down the scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
Touch the Continental Divide.

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General Notes

Participants split into smaller groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.

Candi Naylor

Candi Naylor is a retired elementary school teacher with 36 years of experience. Being a Montana native from Townsend, she loves to ski, hike, fish, garden, kayak, and take her two dogs, Ginger and Hoss, for walks. She spends most of her time outside no matter what season, and she especially loves Glacier National Park. She and her husband, Craig, have built a home on 10 acres – a remnant of her great grandparents’ homestead. She and Craig have recently returned from nine years in Fredericksburg, Va., where she taught elementary school and her husband was a college music professor. Both are very happy to be back in Montana!

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Ellen Horowitz

Ellen Horowitz is a naturalist, writer, hiking leader, and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide whose outdoor education career spans 40 years. Ellen teaches botany classes at Flathead Valley Community College, and she is a long-time field instructor for the Glacier Institute and Road Scholar. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors including Montana Audubon’s Educator of the Year Award, and magazine writing awards from the National Wildlife Federation. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, “What I Saw in Glacier.”

Ashley Mason

Ashley started her career at the North Carolina School of the Art but transferred to Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina to receive her B.S. in Geology with a minor in field biology. Ashley then came to Montana to teach for the Glacier Institute and then completed graduate work at The University of Montana – Missoula in Environmental Studies. A veteran naturalist and conservation educator Ashley is a former Ranger Naturalist for Glacier National Park. In 2012 she was voted Audubon Educator of the year.

Denny Olson

Denny Olson is an acclaimed author with training as a biologist and geologist. He has taught nature for over 30 years. He received an M.S. from the University of Minnesota and has researched beavers, hares, and loons. Using Native American storytelling as a teaching tool; he blends science, humor, and drama, establishing his national reputation as an innovative performer and educator. Denny has applied these skills to his love for Glacier National Park, leading interpretive hikes, Road Scholar birding trips, and doing many park presentations.

Marilyn Wood

Marilyn is a conservation biologist who has had the opportunity to work (and play!) in two iconic landscapes – the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Continental Divide Ecosystem. One of her favorite memories is following radioed collared grizzlies in Yellowstone in the late 1970s but balancing private land with sustaining wildlife populations is the most rewarding. Marilyn was the northwest program manager of the Montana Nature Conservancy for thirteen years. In her free time, you’ll find her hiking or horseback riding the dynamic landscapes.

Jack Gladstone

Jack Gladstone is a storysmith and troubadour from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana. Regarded as a cultural bridge builder, he produces programs on indigenous history and tradition. Jack has released 15 critically-acclaimed CDs, and garnered the prestigious Best Historical Recording award from the Native American Music Association. A former college instructor and Smithsonian scholar, Jack has opened shows for Rita Coolidge, Garrison Keillor, and Bonnie Raitt.

Al Koss

Al Koss has lived and worked in the Glacier Park area for over 30 years. His love for the out-of-doors and passion for hiking was well represented in his career with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. Al taught environmental education and is a Master Trainer for the Leave No Trace Program. His experience as a Park Naturalist has given him extensive experience and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the park. He enjoys sharing his passion for natural areas with others.

Tanya Brist

After graduating from Eastern Montana College, Tanya taught for 29 years in elementary and middle school classrooms in western Montana. She has trained teachers at the local, county and state levels in science and writing. Tanya spent two years as a member of the Montana Science Teachers’ Board of Directors, making multiple trips to Helena while working on projects with the Montana State Office of Public Instruction. She has won local, state and national awards as well as the many accolades of her students.

Elise Van Valkenburg

Elise grew up in Spokane, Washington and enjoyed camping and fishing with her family. It was not until college that Elise fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and began hiking and backpacking with her husband and their goldendoodles. She is currently a middle school science teacher in Bigfork, Montana and recently earned an MS in science education. When she is not teaching, you will find her exploring the trails of Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest and the Bob Marshall Wilderness!

Susan Atkinson

Susan Atkinson is an award-winning architect and professor of environmental design at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has traveled the world researching how people design and build in response to culture and climate. Susan grew up in the Flathead Valley, learning about wildflowers, and spotting grizzlies in Glacier National Park every summer since 1980. She is an avid trail runner who loves fly fishing, spending time with her rescue dog, Clover, and reading about wolverines. She has backpacked around the world.

Rob Quist

Rob Quist is an artist, musician, and public figure. Known for his versatile talents, he is a celebrated singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and vocalist. His connection to Montana is evident in the theme of his music. He draws inspiration from the state's rich landscapes and the experiences of its residents. His influence extends into Montana's cultural and political spheres. Quist's legacy is characterized by his commitment to preserving Montana's musical heritage and his contributions to the artistic and social tapestry of the region.

Richard Moore

Rick Moore is a forester with a distinct interest in forest ecology, wild and prescribed fire effects, and plant identification. He has much experience in the Rocky Mountain West, having lived and practiced forestry in five different states. He has also hiked in many of the national parks and Forest Service wilderness areas, preferring those located in the higher elevations. Rick has degrees in forestry and outdoor recreation. His interests include hiking, rafting, fishing, exploring, and photography.

Lori Ortley

Lori Ortley, an enthusiast of Glacier National Park, was raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.S. in biology and a minor in earth science, certified to teach 7th through 12th grades. She taught at Flathead High School for 18 years before retiring in 2019. Her students participated in Glacier National Park’s Citizens Science program. After retiring from teaching in 2019, Lori transitioned to work as a field instructor with Road Scholar.

Activity Level

Outdoor: No Sweat

Hiking two miles daily over varied terrain. Possible optional hikes up to five miles some days. Some stairs; getting in/out of vans, bus, and water raft. Elevations of 3,153-7,200 feet.