Skip to main content
Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

Mesa, Washington · Franklin County

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 Flo…

Advertisement
46.56693, -118.99256
Open in OpenStreetMap

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.

How to Get There

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

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

Heading to Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail?

No central reservation system listed for Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14521) for the latest entry policy and availability.

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 i…

How do I contact Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail?

You can reach the park at phone: (509) 237-9722 or email: iafl_program_manager@nps.gov.