Glacier Institute in Columbia Falls, Montana transforms visits to Glacier National Park into immersive educational adventures, from wildlife tracking to survival camps. Discover why these guided experiences stand apart in this raw, alpine wilderness.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–7 hours depending on tour
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals with moderate endurance; some hikes require steady pace on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Glacier National Park was established in 1910, protecting landscapes shaped by ice age glaciers and human stewardship.
Conservation
Glacier Institute emphasizes Leave No Trace ethics to preserve fragile alpine ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism.
Glacier Institute
Glacier Institute in Columbia Falls, Montana transforms visits to Glacier National Park into immersive educational adventures, from wildlife tracking to survival camps. Discover why these guided experiences stand apart in this raw, alpine wilderness.
Glacier Institute is an outdoor education organization based in Columbia Falls, Montana, offering guided hikes, workshops, and multi-stop series in Glacier National Park. The Institute leads day trips and experiential classes that combine field-based education with interpretive natural history, emphasizing geology, wildlife, fire ecology, and land stewardship. Trips range from short nature-journaling sessions to full-day hikes such as the Highline Trail, Many Glacier, Avalanche Lake, and Hidden Lake Overlook.
Guided hikes commonly run between two and ten hours and are led by Outdoor Education Specialists who provide on-trail instruction about alpine ecosystems, glacial landscapes, and local flora and fauna. Evening and specialty outings—like the Evening Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook and the Fire Lookout Series—pair scenic viewpoints with focused lessons on park ecology.
Educational workshops include the Forest Bathing Workshop led by Ellen Horowitz, and a Nature Journaling Series taught by Zowie Caouette; these classes emphasize sensory awareness, creative observation, and conservation-minded engagement. The Into the Wild: A Nature Immersion Experience blends forest bathing and journaling into a guided five-hour session designed to deepen connection with place.
All programming centers on immersive, interpretive experiences inside Glacier National Park. The Institute’s offerings are factual, time-defined, and described in trip summaries to help participants select appropriate routes and durations. Prospective visitors can expect guided, curriculum-driven outings that prioritize safety, interpretation, and environmental stewardship in one of Montana’s most iconic landscapes. Booking information, trip distances, and detailed itineraries are provided in official trip descriptions to support informed decision-making, and gear recommendations where available.
Location
Columbia Falls, MT
Gateway to Glacier National Park
Tours Offered
10
Guided hikes and workshops
Duration Range
2–10 hours
Half-day to full-day experiences
Expert Guides
Outdoor Education Specialists
Interpretive education on trails
Reserve guided Highline, Hidden Lake, Avalanche Lake, or workshop experiences from Columbia Falls — check trip details and durations before booking.
Wear layers for shifting mountain weather
Temperatures can swing widely from sun to shade; bring moisture-wicking underlayers and a warm jacket.
Bring binoculars for bird and wildlife spotting
Glacier’s diverse fauna, including mountain goats and raptors, can be observed at a distance with binoculars.
Stay hydrated and carry snacks
Hikes like Avalanche Lake can last several hours; pack water and energy-rich snacks to maintain stamina.
Pack a camera with extra batteries
Guides highlight spectacular photo opportunities—especially at Hidden Lake Overlook and Logan Pass.
Sturdy hiking boots
Supportive footwear is critical for rocky, uneven mountain trails.
Water bottle or hydration system
Staying hydrated is vital, especially on longer hikes.
Layered clothing
Layering allows quick adaptation to Glacier’s changeable weather.
spring
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife watching and bird identification on guided tours.
summer