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Glacial Valleys
Valleys
ECOSYSTEMS > INLAND OREGON > VALLEYS

During the Pleistocene Era (Earth's most recent ice age beginning about 2.6 million years ago and ending 11,700 years ago), glaciers covered huge parts of the Earth. As these walls of ice moved across the landscape, they carved out valleys similar to how a bulldozer might dig a trench. Because of the breadth and weight of glaciers, these valleys are wider and have flat bottoms with a contour similar to a “U”. As a result, these valleys may be alternately known as U-shaped valleys, trough valleys or glacial troughs. Glacial valleys often occur in mountainous areas of the world, including the Swiss Alps, Himalayas, Scottish Highlands, Scandinavia, New Zealand and Canada. In the United States, large glacial valleys can be found in Glacier and Yosemite National Parks. 

Some glacial valleys may intersect with smaller, tributary valleys which are at a higher elevation. These are often referred to as "hanging valleys." Glacial valleys located along coastlines and are thus partially submerged are known as fjords. Fjords in the Pacific Northwest occur largely in Alaska, British Columbia and Washington State. 

Where Can I See a Glacial Valley in Oregon?

Mount Hood Wilderness Area
GPS Coordinates: 45.2698674, -121.7033573
Wallowa Mountains
GPS Coordinates: 45.1999023, -117.3351901

Representative Species for Glacial Valleys in Oregon: 

American beaver
Douglas-fir
Roosevelt elk
Bigleaf maple
Evergreen huckleberry
Salmonberry
Black bear
Gray Fox
Western red cedar
Bobcat
Hooded merganser
Wood duck

Suggested Activities for These Areas:

Camping
Picnicking
Cycling
Wildlife Spotting
Hiking
Photography and Video
Picture
Picture
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