Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It stretches across parts of Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes shaped by cataclysmic floods that occurred around 15,000 years ago.

These floods, known as the Ice Age floods, were caused by the repeated breaches and collapses of ice dams covering large ancient lakes. The floods were unparalleled in their scale and power, sculpting the land and leaving behind breathtaking geological features. The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail was established to showcase and educate visitors about the fascinating story of these dramatic events.

Along the trail, visitors can explore a variety of attractions and sites of scientific interest. The Dry Falls Interpretive Center in Washington is a notable stop, providing information about the floods and offering stunning views of Dry Falls, once the largest waterfall in the world. The Visitor Center at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is another popular destination, where visitors can learn about the floods' impact on the landscape.

The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail also offers opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking trails can be found throughout the region, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the landscape and witness firsthand the effects of the floods. Additionally, fishing and boating enthusiast can enjoy the many lakes and rivers found along the trail.

Nearby attractions to the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail include the Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest concrete structures in the world, where visitors can learn about hydropower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Palouse Falls State Park in Washington features a spectacular waterfall and offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overall, the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and understand the geological forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest. Through educational exhibits, scenic viewpoints, and recreational activities, visitors can experience the magnitude and beauty of the Ice Age floods firsthand.

The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is spanning several regions of its diverse geographical landscape. Situated in the scenic and majestic state of Washington, the trail encompasses a vast expanse of stunning geological features, including deep canyons, expansive plateaus, and winding river valleys. From the eastern portion of the state, near the Idaho border, the trail stretches westward, meandering through the Channeled Scablands, a unique region carved by the cataclysmic events of the Ice Age floods. As the trail progresses further west, it traverses verdant agricultural lands, forested slopes, and lush temperate rainforests, providing visitors with a remarkable contrast of natural scenery.

Address & Contact

Program Manager
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
Program Manager
Coulee Dam, WA 99116
Driving Directions
Phone: (509) 237-9722
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail would be during the months of June and July. These months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures of 74°F and 87°F respectively. The average minimum temperatures range from 46°F in June to 51°F in July. Monthly precipitation is relatively low during these months, with an average of 0.6 inches in July and 0.8 inches in June. This timeframe provides optimal conditions for enjoying the trail and its surroundings.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Topics

Learn about these topics at Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail: Geology Tragic Events Floods

Visitor Centers

Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center

Named in honor of the man who served as Secretary of Agriculture (1933-1940) and Vice-President during Franklin Roosevelt's third term, the Henry A. Wallace Center offers an array of services designed to enhance your visit to Hyde Park. The visitor center provides information on tours, exhibits, gardens, trails, activities, special events, and the film "Rendezvous with History." Our experienced staff can help you plan an itinerary for your visit.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

Holiday Inn Downtown - Missoula, an IHG Hotel

A stay at Holiday Inn Downtown - Missoula, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of Missoula, within a 5-minute walk of Caras Park and Wilma Theatre. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Missoula? This hotel has facilities measuring 5550 square feet (516 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 200 S Pattee St, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

Mountain Valley Inn

A stay at Mountain Valley Inn places you in the heart of Missoula, steps from Bitterroot Valley and Missoula County Courthouse. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-out, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 420 West Broadway, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula

A stay at Red Lion Inn & Suites Missoula places you in the heart of Missoula, steps from Bitterroot Valley and Clark Fork River. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 700 W Broadway St, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula - Edgewater

A stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula - Edgewater places you in the heart of Missoula, steps from Bitterroot Valley and Clark Fork River. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Missoula? This hotel has facilities measuring 6345 square feet (571 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 100 Madison Street, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

Broadway Inn Conference Center

In the heart of Missoula, Broadway Inn Conference Center is within a 5-minute drive of Wilma Theatre and Caras Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Missoula? This hotel has facilities measuring 4000 square feet (372 square meters), including a conference center. RV/bus/truck parking is available onsite.
Address: 1609 W Broadway St, Missoula, Montana 59808
Web: Link

Citilodge Suites

With a stay at Citilodge Suites in Missoula (Westside), you'll be steps from Bitterroot Valley and 10 minutes by foot from Clark Fork River.
Address: 1135 West Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

City Center Motel

Located in Missoula (Heart of Missoula), City Center Motel is a 4-minute walk from Missoula Art Museum and 7 minutes by foot from Missoula County Courthouse. Featured amenities include express check-out, luggage storage, and coffee/tea in a common area. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 338 E Broadway, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

Bel Aire Motel

With a stay at Bel Aire Motel in Missoula (Heart of Missoula), you'll be steps from Bitterroot Valley and Missoula Art Museum. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 300 E Broadway St, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

Residence Inn by Marriott Missoula Downtown

With a stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Missoula Downtown in Missoula (Heart of Missoula), you'll be steps from Bitterroot Valley and 3 minutes by foot from Wilma Theatre. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Missoula? This hotel has facilities measuring 1506 square feet (140 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 125 N Pattee Street, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link

AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown

With a stay at AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown in Missoula (Heart of Missoula), you'll be steps from Bitterroot Valley and Dana Gallery. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk.
Address: 175 N. PATTEE STREET, Missoula, Montana 59802
Web: Link