Outdoor Science and Learning

The Forest has a several unique outdoor learning areas which include Coram Experimental Forest, Miller Creek Forest, Swan Ecosystem Center at Condon, Montana, the Summit Nature Center at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain, and the Glacier Institute located in the North Fork of the Flathead. The Forest also partners with Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks, the timber industry, and outdoor recreation companies, and resorts to provide outdoor learning.

One event, co-sponsored by the Forest, is the Forestry Expo. Each spring, all valley 5th graders are invited to participate in a full day outdoor classroom to learn about wildlife, Leave No Trace, forestry practices, water quality, fisheries, and forest users.

In addition, the Forest participates in a number of community events: the Flathead County Fair, outdoor field trips for school groups, wildflower walks at the Summit of Whitefish Mountain Resort and Firewise programs.

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

Glacier Institute

Glacier Institute outdoor learning center was founded in 1983 by passionate scientists who wanted to share their love of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. With more than ten million acres, this area, which includes, the portions of the Flathead Forest, Glacier Park, Bob Marshall, Great Bear, and Scapegoat Wilderness areas and adjacent parks in Canada, comprises the largest intact wilderness ecosystem in the continental United States. Their classrooms are the mountain trails and vast river basins that are home to more than 1,200 species of native plants, 240 species of birds, and 65 species of native mammals. The Institute is under permit with the Flathead Forest to provide outdoor education for schools, the public and valley visitors. To learn more about what the Glacier Institute offers check out their website.

Summit Nature Center

This education and visitor information center is located at the summit of Big Mountain Whitefish Mountain Resort in the lower level of Summit House. The center can be accessed by purchasing a lift ticket at the resort or by hiking the Danny On Trail. The center has a wide variety of interpretive displays on wildlife, wildflowers, trees, fire ecology, and other topics that relate to the ecosystem of northwest Montana.

To learn more, visit the Summit Nature Center site page.

Viewing Plants

Viewing Nature is a favorite pastime with many people. The Flathead National Forest has an abundance of scenic vistas, wildlife, mountain lakes, free flowing rivers and streams, and beautiful wildflowers. Take a Motor Vehicle Use Map (free) from all District offices with you and explore the thousands of miles of open roads the Forest has to offer, or check out our hiking pages for ideas on where to take day hikes and longer trips.

Visitor Centers

The Forest has two visitor centers which feature outdoor learning and interactive displays. These include the Swan Valley Connections located in Condon, Montana. The second is the Summit Nature Center located at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain. Links for these centers will provide more information on their activities and hours of operations.