Vehicle Access to Logan Pass Changes

Date: October 14, 2015
Contact: Katie Liming , 406 888-5838

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – The last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle will be Sunday, October 18, weather permitting. Vehicle traffic is currently restricted on the east side near the St. Mary Campground to allow for fall season rehabilitation on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicle access will be restricted on the west side at Avalanche Campground beginning Monday, October 19. Visitors can call 406-888-7800 (press 2) or visit https://go.nps.gov/roadstatus for current road status information.

As winter begins to arrive at higher elevations, working conditions can quickly become hazardous. The west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road closes each winter on a set date to allow road and building crews to safely accomplish essential work on the road and facilities without exposing them to unnecessary risks from ice and snow on the road. It takes two weeks to remove guardrails, install snow poles, remove road signs, and winterize the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
 
After October 18, hikers and bikers will have access to the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Hikers and bikers currently have access to the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun-Road on weekends and evenings. Some trails are closed on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road due to the Reynolds Creek Fire. For more information on status of trails, please contact the park or visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trailstatusreports.htm.

The Apgar Visitor Center is now open on weekends only from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Apgar Backcountry Permit Office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through October 31.

Boat inspections for boats launching on the west side of the park will be conducted at the Apgar Backcountry Office, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily through the end of October. Boat inspections for the east side of the park are by appointment only. Appointments are available by contacting the park at 406-888-780 (press 5).

Campgrounds throughout the park have either closed or changed to primitive status. Campgrounds in primitive status have pit toilets available, no potable or drinking water, limited number of sites, and fees are reduced to $10 per night. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and are reminded that any water taken from streams or lakes requires treatment before use. Current campground status is available at https://www.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm.

Autumn visitors to Glacier National Park will find less crowds, cooler temperatures, and changing vegetation colors. Area residents and visitors are reminded that the park is open year-round and park recreational opportunities can be found during all seasons.

For additional park information, visit the park’s website https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800.