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National Geologic Trail
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail · Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana
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. Families can start at the visitor center for maps, exhibits, and Junior Ranger materials; always check nps.gov for current hours and conditions before you go.
Hours, roads, and programs change with the seasons. Check current conditions on the official Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail website before you go.
Wild Base Family is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Park Service. Park brochures and Junior Ranger books are free official materials published by the National Park Service; our links open the official PDF (on nps.gov) when one is available online.