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Montana

The Best of Glacier National Park

Program No. 21016RJ
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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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

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.
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.

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.

General Notes

Participants split into smaller groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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.”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ellen Horowitz
Ellen Horowitz View biography
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.”
Profile Image of Dave Streeter
Dave Streeter View biography
Dave Streeter spent seven years traveling the world designing computer systems. Then he had a flat tire in Great Falls, Mont. Some 30 years later, he is still teaching at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell and exploring Montana’s wilds at every opportunity. He has been a favorite Road Scholar instructor for 25 years, imparting his knowledge of bears, mountain goats, wolves, weather, flowers, glaciation, winter ecology, backcountry skiing and healthy hiking. Dave also performs with the “Grin & Bear it String Clan.”
Profile Image of Lynda Saul
Lynda Saul View biography
Lynda Saul received the National Wetlands Award for her career protecting and restoring Montana's wetlands and streams. Now retired, she's an avid bird watcher and citizen scientist in Glacier National Park and across Montana. Lynda loves sharing her fascination about nature with others. She spends winters seeking out new birds while volunteering in Latin America and East Africa. Lynda keeps active canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing, and has led numerous long-distance bicycle trips over the years. She has degrees in geology and forest hydrology.
Profile Image of Pat Van Eimeren
Pat Van Eimeren View biography
Pat Van Eimeren, originally a “cheesehead” from Wisconsin, has been in Montana for more than 30 years. He recently retired as a Fisheries Biologist for the Flathead National Forest. Pat has a passion for wild places and wild creatures. In the winter, he works atop Whitefish Mountain Resort as a Mountain Ambassador, and in the summer he will be deep in the solitude of the Bob Marshall Wilderness with a fly rod in hand. He enjoys all the recreational venues that Montana has to offer.
Profile Image of Rob Quist
Rob Quist View biography
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.
Profile Image of Lori Ortley
Lori Ortley View biography
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program No.
21016
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Lake McDonald in West Glacier
Program Concludes
Lake McDonald in West Glacier
Activity Level
At a Glance
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.
General Notes
Participants split into smaller groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
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.”
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Dave Streeter
Dave Streeter
Dave Streeter spent seven years traveling the world designing computer systems. Then he had a flat tire in Great Falls, Mont. Some 30 years later, he is still teaching at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell and exploring Montana’s wilds at every opportunity. He has been a favorite Road Scholar instructor for 25 years, imparting his knowledge of bears, mountain goats, wolves, weather, flowers, glaciation, winter ecology, backcountry skiing and healthy hiking. Dave also performs with the “Grin & Bear it String Clan.”
Profile Image of Lynda Saul
Lynda Saul
Lynda Saul received the National Wetlands Award for her career protecting and restoring Montana's wetlands and streams. Now retired, she's an avid bird watcher and citizen scientist in Glacier National Park and across Montana. Lynda loves sharing her fascination about nature with others. She spends winters seeking out new birds while volunteering in Latin America and East Africa. Lynda keeps active canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing, and has led numerous long-distance bicycle trips over the years. She has degrees in geology and forest hydrology.
Profile Image of Pat Van Eimeren
Pat Van Eimeren
Pat Van Eimeren, originally a “cheesehead” from Wisconsin, has been in Montana for more than 30 years. He recently retired as a Fisheries Biologist for the Flathead National Forest. Pat has a passion for wild places and wild creatures. In the winter, he works atop Whitefish Mountain Resort as a Mountain Ambassador, and in the summer he will be deep in the solitude of the Bob Marshall Wilderness with a fly rod in hand. He enjoys all the recreational venues that Montana has to offer.
Profile Image of Rob Quist
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.
Profile Image of Lori Ortley
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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 7 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768





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