Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

5 reasons why Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail will be the first stamp trail!

There are so many interesting national trails to choose from! For instance, the Selma to Montgomery NHT, which commemorates the 1965 voting rights march in Alabama! Or the Pony Express NHT, which outlines the route of horse delivered mail from Missouri to California. How did I decide to focus on Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail?

5 reasons why Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail will be my first stamp trail!

1.

Let’s keep it real here- The first, and least interesting reason I’m choosing Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is that it’s close to home. I live in Portland, OR and several of the stamp locations are within a few hours drive. I look forward to visiting these sites and sharing about my visits with you, and the proximity will make that doable.

2.

While it’s great that this trail is close to home, initially I was planning on exploring a trail that cuts through Wisconsin first. (I love a road trip!) However, I then learned that the National Park Travelers Club (NPTC) will be holding its 2024 Convention in Vancouver, WA! I am beyond excited to be able to attend and meet fellow national park nerds. I also figured (or at the least hoped) that some of the attendees would be interested in what I’m up to as well. Since many of the sites the NPTC conference goers will be visiting intersect with the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, location again pushed me toward this choice.

3.

Proximity was not the only factor I considered, as there are other national trails that are nearby. I could have chosen the Lewis and Clark or Oregon NHT. (And I might look at them in the future!) However, for my first trail, I decided it made sense to take the size of the trail into account. Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail contains 14 stamp sites spanning Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Intuitively, this feels like the perfect size for an initial exploration.

4.

Ok, ok- Many of the reasons for choosing this trail are practical. Part of the reason for this, is that I find most of the national trails to be extremely intriguing in their own ways! I’m excited to explore them all! With Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, I’m particularly stoked to learn about the geology it highlights. I’ve noticed that many national trails are “historic”- Meaning they highlight a well worn historical path of some sort. This trail is a national GEOLOGIC trail. I don’t yet know the answer, but I’m curious as to how a trail focused on geology came to be nationally recognized. There has got to be a cool story behind this trail!

5.

Last, and potentially the most important reason for choosing this trail, is that sometimes you just have to make a decision! I know that if I don’t choose a trail and get started, I could spend literal years trying to make this plan perfect. Unfortunately my perfectionist tendencies can hold me back if I let them- So I’m not letting them. I’m here, writing this to you, and hoping that you enjoy. (And hey, even if nobody else enjoys it, I know I will!)