Green Monarch Ridge by Lake Pend Oreille ID

Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

National Geologic Trail ยท Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana

NPS Photo

๐Ÿ“ StateWashington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Geologic Trail
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities4
Official NPS Website โ†’
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

Network of routes connecting natural sites

The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is a network of routes connecting natural sites and facilities that provide interpretation of the geological consequences of the Glacial Lake Missoula floods of the last glacial period that occurred about 18,000 to 15,000 years ago. It includes sites in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. It was designated as the first National Geologic Trail in the United States in 2009.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

At the end of the last Ice Age, 18,000 to 15,000 years ago, an ice dam in northern Idaho created Glacial Lake Missoula stretching 3,000 square miles around Missoula, Montana. The dam burst and released flood waters across Washington, down the Columbia River into Oregon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The Ice Age Floods forever changed the lives and landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

Park Photos

Green Monarch Ridge by Lake Pend Oreille ID
Large butte with lake in the foreground
Steamboat rock in the foreground with Banks Lake in the distance
Dry Lake lake bed and falls blanked with snow.
A overhead shot of the Dry Falls area

Activities

Operating Hours

Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is a collection of sites operated and owned by a variety of partners. , Hours of operation and season will vary from site to site. Please check each respective site for more details and information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail?

Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail?

Popular activities at Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail include: Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Junior Ranger Program.

What is the weather like at Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail?

The National Geologic Trail is a collection of sites stretched across a four state area, the weather will vary from site to site. Please check the weather for your local region, or the region you'll be visiting, through their respective sites.

How do I get to Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail?

To Trail Headquarters from Spokane Take I-90 West At Exit 277, merge onto US-2 toward Davenport/Fairchild AFB/Spokane Airport Just past Wilbur, turn right onto WA-21 Stay left onto Highway 174 Turn right onto WA-155 Stay on WA-155 past Grand Coulee Dam and into the town of Coulee Dam Cross the Columbia River and continue on WA-155 Turn right onto Crest Drive and follow up the hill. The HQ Office is located on the left

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

The National Geologic Trail is a collection of sites stretched across a four state area, the weather will vary from site to site. Please check the weather for your local region, or the region you'll be visiting, through their respective sites.

Directions

To Trail Headquarters from Spokane Take I-90 West At Exit 277, merge onto US-2 toward Davenport/Fairchild AFB/Spokane Airport Just past Wilbur, turn right onto WA-21 Stay left onto Highway 174 Turn right onto WA-155 Stay on WA-155 past Grand Coulee Dam and into the town of Coulee Dam Cross the Columbia River and continue on WA-155 Turn right onto Crest Drive and follow up the hill. The HQ Office is located on the left

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates46.5669, -118.9926

Official Resources

NPS Official Website