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Montana

Raft, Ride & Slide in Glacier National Park With Your Family

Program No. 22729RJ
Raft the Flathead River, look for wildlife, enjoy a gondola ride up Big Mountain and race down on an alpine slide on this national park adventure with your family.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Age 8 - 18
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jul 26 - Jul 31, 2023
Per Adult
2,149
Per Child
1,349
Select
Jul 26 - Jul 31, 2023
2,149
/ Adult
1,349
/ Child
2,149
/ Adult
1,349
/ Child
2,949
/ Adult
1,349
/ Child
SOLD OUT
Aug 2 - Aug 7, 2023
Per Adult
2,149
Per Child
1,349
Select
Aug 2 - Aug 7, 2023
2,149
/ Adult
1,349
/ Child
2,149
/ Adult
1,349
/ Child
2,949
/ Adult
1,349
/ Child
Limited Space

At a Glance

Discover the majestic peaks, sparkling rivers and green gullies of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley on an adventure with your family! Learn about magnificent wildlife like the mountain goat, bighorn sheep and bears on instructor-led walks and visits to many favorite spots in the park. Raft along Glacier's southern border, hike trails full of flora and fauna and look out over valleys, lakes, rivers and glacier-carved mountains in this beautiful, rugged landscape.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Expect full days with lots of activity. Hike 2 miles daily on maintained dirt trails in mountainous, uneven, and rocky terrain. The ability to get on and off a motor coach and on and off a raft is required. Standing during trail-side lessons. Elevations of 3,000-7,200 feet.
Family Programs
Family Programs
Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Soar to new heights aboard the gondola to the Big Mountain summit and feel the wind in your hair as you slide down an alpine slide.
  • Experience Glacier National Park with a spectacular drive on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
  • Develop your teamwork skills on a raft journey down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on Glacier's southern border.

General Notes

This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 8 and up. For a comparable adventure for just grandparents and grandchildren, check out "Raft, Ride & Slide in Glacier National Park With Your Grandchild" (#20884).
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.
Geology Along Going-to-the-Sun Road
by Raup, Earhart, Whipple, and Carrara
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.
Wildflowers of Glacier National Park
by Shannon Kimball and Peter Lesica
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.
Grizzly Country
by Andy Russell
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.
Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park's Highway to the Sky
by C.W. Guthrie
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.
KIDS: Born Wild in Glacier National Park
by Donald M. Jones
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.
Glacier - A Natural History Guide
by David Rockwell
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.
KIDS: Going to Glacier National Park
by Alan Leftridge
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!
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5 B 3 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Kalispell
D
Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Collect your welcome packet from the front desk of the hotel upon check-in. It will contain an up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes and other important information. Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the noted meeting room and meet your Group Leader, complete paperwork, and make sack lunch selections. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will travel by motorcoach and historic Red Bus. We will break into smaller groups for hikes based on preference and ability. Hikes will be led by local experts who will share their knowledge along the trail. Restrooms are available at most trail heads. This is a Road Scholar family program. Adults are responsible for their minor children. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. “America the Beautiful” passes cover entrance fees at national parks for up to four adults. If you have one of these national park passes, please bring it with you to the program and on our field trips Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In our meeting room at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s sleep for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Aerial Adventure, Gondola ride, Alpine Slide, Presentation
Kalispell
B,L,D
Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach, gondola, and alpine slide; driving about 25 miles to/from Whitefish Mountain Resort, approximately 45 minutes each way. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day on dirt trails that may be rocky, hilly, and uneven. Periods of standing and sitting throughout the day. Aerial Adventure is physically demanding and requires climbing, crouching, and maneuvering through obstacles, safety harnesses required. Maximum elevation 6,800 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: The day opens with discovery and adventure as we travel to Big Mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort with our Group Leader to take part in a fun bonding experience. Especially for kids: We’ll climb, slide, and “fly” on an aerial adventure obstacle course in the trees. Secured in safety harnesses, we’ll travel between the trees on suspended bridges, cable walkways, nets, ladders and other fun elements. You may choose to participate in the aerial adventure, or to encourage your family memebers from the ground. Next, we'll board the "Glacier Chaser" gondola and chairlift, for a 15-minute scenic ride to the 6,800 foot summit of Big Mountain. At the top, we'll have breathtaking panoramic views of Glacier National Park, Flathead Valley, and surrounding areas.

Lunch: At a restaurant on the summit of Big Mountain.

Afternoon: We will be joined by a forest ranger who will give us a presentation about on this spectacular part of the Rocky Mountains. After the presentation, we'll ride the gondola down the mountain to the start of the Alpine Slide. Especially for kids: To end our day on the mountain, we'll have an exciting ride down the 1,605 foot long Alpine Slide. The flat, wheeled sleds have hand brakes to control your speed. We'll whiz around curves, zoom through a tunnel, and fly down straightaways. Note: Kids under 48" (4 feet) tall must ride with an adult. We’ll board the motorcoach and return to the hotel tired but exhilarated. We'll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: In the hotel meeting room.

Evening: A local expert will lead a presentation on the wild wonders of Glacier National Park and surrounding area.

DAY
3
Glacier National Park, Audubon Society Program & Walks
Kalispell
B,L,D
Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving 50 miles to/from trailhead in Glacier National Park, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes each way. Walk 2 miles on dirt trails that may be rocky, slippery, hilly, and uneven. Standing during trail-side lessons and activities. 225 foot elevation gain; maximum elevation 3,410 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll board the motorcoach and head out for a full-day field trip in Glacier National Park. Local experts from the Flathead Audubon Society will lead us on interpretive walks along rushing McDonald Creek and through a cool hemlock forest. While on the trail, participate in a variety of fun, instructor-led activities that will capitalize on the natural curiosity of children. We'll focus on using different senses to experience and explore the secrets of the natural, wild surroundings.

Lunch: Sack lunch on the trail.

Afternoon: We'll continue our interpretive walks with the Flathead Audubon Society instructors and we'll learn about the flora and fauna we encounter along the trail. After our walks we'll ride the bus to Lake McDonald where we will have some free time to relax. Spend it exploring the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, or just sit by the lake and enjoy the expansive scenery.

Dinner: At a restaurant inside Glacier National Park.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Wetlands Program, Downtown Whitefish, Scenic Raft Trip
Kalispell
B,D
Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach;driving approximately 18 miles,1/2 hour to Whitefish. Drive 25 miles, about 40 minutes to rafting; drive to hotel 32 miles, less than 1 hour. Bring water attire, required life jackets are provided, optional water shoes and wet suits available. Rafting field trip is approximately 2 hours, with periods of sitting, paddling (according to personal choice), and opportunities to get out and stretch legs. Restroom facilities available at the raft company headquarters.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll travel on our motorcoach to Whitefish and join a local environmental scientist to get a big-picture understanding of Whitefish Lake and nearby wetlands. We'll learn about the complex food web of the lake, the native and introduced fish species that are found there, and talk about the changes that are caused by introduced species. Especially for Kids: We'll participate in some hands-on scientific research of our own and learn about insect indicators of water quality. Next, we'll have time for personal independent exploration in Whitefish. The historic downtown is full of western charm and is very pedestrian friendly. The nearby Whitefish Railway Depot was built in 1927 Great Northern Railway and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Whitefish. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Whitefish has numerous restaurants to choose from.

Afternoon: We'll hop on the motorcoach and drive to the MT Raft headquarters in West Glacier. When we arrive, we will be outfitted with life jackets and any additional equipment we need. From the raft company headquarters, it is a short ride on a bright blue school bus to the river launch! Especially for kids: A fun and splashy adventure awaits! We'll go on an expert-led rafting trip down the beautiful Middle Fork of the Flathead River. If you choose, you can help paddle the boat through the rapids, be prepared to get wet! As we travel by raft along the southern border of Glacier National Park we will gain a unique perspective of the landscape. We'll learn about the geologic forces that shaped the landscape, appreciate the river’s Wild and Scenic Waterway designation, and discover why this pristine river is such an important part of the ecosystem. We'll learn about where all the water comes from and where it is headed. Along the way keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the shoreline, you may even spot a bear.

Dinner: Cookout at raft company pavilion. We'll be spending the evening outside so bring dry clothes and a warm layer for after the raft trip.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

DAY
5
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hiking at Logan Pass
Kalispell
B,L,D
Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach and Red Bus, driving about 37 miles, approximately 1 hour each way to/from Glacier. Then about 30 miles, 1 1/2 hour each way on Red Bus. Hiking up to 2 miles on maintained dirt trails that may be uneven and rocky, and on boardwalk with steep and deep steeps. Elevation of 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, max elevation 7,200 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning we'll travel to the Apgar area of Glacier National park where our expert instructors will offer enriching interpretation as we walk the trails and explore the area. We'll also stop at the base of Lake McDonald to take in the mountain views and learn about the glacial forces that carved this huge lake long ago.

Lunch: Sack lunches.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we will set off on a Red Bus and travel the Going-to-the-Sun Road (subject to weather and road conditions). As we ride aboard these iconic vehicles, we’ll be immersed in the natural grandeur of the region through insightful commentary from the drivers. First used in the mid-1930s to transport visitors in Glacier and fully restored in 2001, the historic Red Busses continue to delight passengers today. Their canvass roll-back tops allow for unsurpassed views of the towering mountains in every direction. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Landmark and the only road that crosses Glacier National Park. The narrow road hugs the cliffside as it winds through the mountains, inspiring awe at every turn. The road was designed to complement the landscape and give visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery Glacier National Park has to offer. Our destination is Logan Pass, the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Located on the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet, waters here flow either toward the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. At Logan Pass we'll set off on foot for an expert-led interpretive walk in the subalpine ecosystem. We'll search for evidence of past glaciers by looking for geological features such as aretes, glacial horns, moraines, and waterfalls. We will also be on the lookout for special plants and animals with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in the harsh, high elevation environment. Along the way we may be distracted by meadows teeming with wildflowers and towering snow-capped peaks! The trail starts at about 6,660 feet and climbs up from there. The trail consists of pavement, a boardwalk with steep and deep steps, and a dirt and rock trail. After our walks conclude, we will board the Red Buses and return to Apgar via Going-to-the-Sun Road. There we will transfer to our motorcoach and then return to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Kalispell
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.