Physical / Mobility

Most park facilities were constructed prior to the 1968 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards. Newly designed construction and remodel projects integrate barrier-free design principles. Most facilities located in the park’s developed areas are generally barrier-free, but not all of them yet meet current ABA Accessibility Standards.

Our wedding location Flickr photo album shows some of the facilities and varied terrain throughout the park.

 
 

Lake McDonald Valley

Park Headquarters (West Glacier)
  • Description: Located just beyond park sign across the river from West Glacier. Two right turns after the park sign will lead you to the headquarters building, as indicated by brown NPS signs on the roadway.
  • Accessible Routes: An accessible walkway leads from the parking lot to the building.
  • Restrooms: Located on the first floor.
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Apgar Visitor Center
  • Description: A main hub on the west side of the park and the central location for the shuttle system, it is located approximately two miles (3.2 km) from the West Entrance. A brown NPS sign indicates the entry point to the visitor center.
  • Accessible Routes: It’s on a single level and has accessible walkways from the parking lot to the building.
  • Accessible Trails: The wheelchair-accessible, paved Apgar Bike Path is found to the right of the parking lot when facing the visitor center. From here, the path to the right winds 1/4 mile (0.4 km) to the Apgar Campground. The path to the left travels 1/3 mile (0.5 km) to Apgar Village.
  • Restrooms: Located outside, to the right side of the visitor center entrance.
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Apgar Village
  • Description: A central hub on the west side of the park, the village is located approximately two miles (3.2 km) from the West Entrance.
  • Accessible Trails: The wheelchair-accessible, paved Apgar Bike Path Trailhead is found near the Wilderness Permit Center. To the right it winds two miles (3.2 km) toward the West Entrance and links up with trails along McDonald Creek. Across the street to the left the bike path goes 1/3 mile (0.5 km) to the Apgar Visitor Center and 1/2 mile (0.8 km) to Apgar Campground.
  • Restrooms: Located behind the Apgar Education Center or across from the Lake McDonald boat launch.
  • Drinking Water: Located at the Apgar Education Center.

Apgar Nature Center
  • Description: Located approximately two miles (3.2 km) from the West Entrance in Apgar Village, it’s usually open during the summer season,10 am - 4 pm daily.
  • Accessible Routes: A dirt trail leads from a parking area to the Apgar Nature Center.
  • Restrooms: Located behind the Apgar Education Center or across from the Lake McDonald boat launch.
  • Drinking Water: Located at the Apgar Education Center.
  • Drinking Water: Located at the former Apgar Visitor Center.

Apgar Campground
  • Description: The largest campground in the park, it’s located approximately two miles (3.2 km) from the West Entrance and is accessible by shuttle.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Sites C152 and C122
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets and sinks with running water are in campground loops and in the picnic area.
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Fish Creek Campground
  • Description: The second largest campground in the park, it’s located just off Camas Road approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) from Apgar Village.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Sites A8, A10, A12, A34, B65, B68, D158, and D160
  • Showers: 2 ADA accessible unisex shower stalls located in Loop A.
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets and sinks with running water
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Sprague Creek Campground
  • Description: Located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald approximately 9.5 miles (15.2 km) from the West Entrance, it is accessible by shuttle.
  • Accessible Routes: There is a short accessible path on the north end of the picnic area that leads to the lake.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Site #1 only
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets in campground loops and in the picnic area
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Description: Located 10.5 miles (17 km) from the West Entrance.
  • Accessible Routes: The lake-side walk is accessible along the cabins and to the boat dock.
  • Accessible Trails: A sidewalk and wheelchair ramp are located behind the lodge beside the boat dock (360-foot concrete surface). Boat tours are accessible.
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Drinking Water: Yes

McDonald Falls
  • Description: Located approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) from the West Entrance, the viewpoint is ADA compliant with a graded pathway that leads to the overlook.
  • Accessible Routes: A paved route leads from the beginning of the Upper McDonald Creek Trail on North Lake McDonald Road to the waterfall overlook.
  • Restrooms: No
  • Drinking Water: No

Avalanche Campground
  • Description: Campground and Picnic Area are located approximately 16 miles (25.7 km) from the West Entrance and are accessible by shuttle.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Site A33
  • Accessible Trails: Trail of the Cedars starts at the Avalanche Picnic Area, and it is a 0.7-mile (1.1 km) accessible trail through old growth cedars. Trail surface is wood boardwalk and a sustainable non-asphalt polymer pavement.
  • Restrooms: Located adjacent to loop A and equipped with flush toilets and running water.
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Red Rock Point
  • Description: Located approximately 17 miles (27 km) from West Glacier, the viewpoint is ADA compliant with a graded pathway that leads to the overlook.
  • Accessible Routes: A graded path leads to a wooden platform near the creek.
  • Restrooms: No
  • Drinking Water: No

The Loop
  • Description: Located approximately 24 miles (38.6 km) from the West Entrance.
  • Accessible Routes: A paved overlook is accessible from the upper parking lot.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets located near the shuttle stop.
  • Drinking Water: No

Road Camp
  • Description: Located approximately 27 miles (43 km) from the West Entrance, the viewpoint is ADA compliant with a graded pathway that leads to the overlook.
  • Restrooms: No
  • Drinking Water: No

Oberlin Bend
  • Description: Located is 32 miles (51.5 km) from the West Entrance, the viewpoint is ADA compliant with a graded pathway that leads to the overlook.
  • Accessible Routes: A metal-grated surface boardwalk (400 ft; 121 m) leads to the overlook.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets located on the east side of the roadway.
  • Drinking Water: No
 

Logan Pass

Logan Pass
  • Description: Located approximately 32 miles (51.5 km) from the West Entrance and 18 miles (29 km) from the St. Mary Entrance, it is the high point of Going-to-the-Sun Road at 6,646 feet, with a visitor center and several paved trails.
  • Accessible Routes: A ramp leads up to the upper terrace where a paved walkway provides excellent views and interpretive exhibits.
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets are available on the lower terrace with additional restrooms located on the parking lot level.
  • Drinking Water: Yes
 

St. Mary Valley

Grizzly Point

  • Description: Located approximately 13 miles (21 km) from the St. Mary Entrance, this viewpoint provides a view of an avalanche path across the road.
  • Restroom: Vault toilet
  • Drinking Water: No


Rising Sun Area

  • Description: Located approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) from the St. Mary Entrance, this area provides visitors with a camp store, cabins, a motor inn, a restaurant, and a campground.
  • Restrooms: There are flush toilets and sinks with running water in summer.
  • Drinking Water: Yes


Rising Sun Campground

  • Description: Located approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) from the St. Mary Entrance, about halfway along St. Mary Lake, it is accessible by shuttle.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Site #7
  • Restrooms: When the campground is open there are flush toilets and sinks with running water.
  • Drinking Water: Yes


Rising Sun Picnic Area

  • Description: Located approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) from the St. Mary Entrance.
  • Restrooms: There are flush toilets and sinks with running water in summer. In the shoulder season there is a vault toilet.
  • Drinking Water: No


St. Mary Campground

  • Description: Located approximately a half mile (0.8 km) west of the St. Mary Entrance, it’s the largest campground on the east side of the park, is open year-round, and is accessible by shuttle.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Sites C146 and C148
  • Restrooms: There are flush toilets and sinks with running water in summer. When the campground is open for primitive or winter camping, no water is available, and campers are required to bring their own drinking water.
  • Drinking Water: Yes


St. Mary Visitor Center

  • Description: Located just inside the St. Mary Entrance.
  • Accessible Routes: It’s a single level and has accessible walkways from the parking lot to the building.
  • Restrooms: Located just outside the visitor center, they do not have automatic doors.
  • Drinking Water: Yes
 

Highway 2

Walton Ranger Station
  • Description: Located along U.S. Highway 2 approximately 27 miles (43.4 km) from the West Entrance, it features an historic ranger station and small picnic area.
  • Restrooms: Yes

Goat Lick Overlook
  • Description: Located along U.S. Highway 2, approximately 30 miles (48.2 km) from the West Entrance.
  • Accessible Routes: A short, paved path leads to the observation deck.
  • Restrooms: Yes (somewhat primitive)
  • Drinking Water: No
 

Two Medicine

Running Eagle Falls
  • Description: Located just over 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Two Medicine Entrance, this short nature trail is accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.
  • Accessible Trails: The hard-packed path offers a 0.3-mile (0.5 km) stabilized soil surface.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets located at trailhead parking lot
  • Drinking Water: No

Two Medicine Campground
  • Description: Located 9 miles (14.4 km) from the Two Medicine junction.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Site #20
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets and sinks with running water
  • Drinking Water: Yes
 

Many Glacier Valley

Many Glacier Hotel
  • Description: Located approximately 11 miles (17.7 km) from the Hwy 89 turnoff on the east side of the park, it sits on the edge of Swiftcurrent Lake and boasts clear views of some of the most majestic peaks.
  • Accessible Routes: Th upper level is accessible via the front doors. Access to the lower level is on the lake side of the building, where boat docks at the lake are also accessible.
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Many Glacier Picnic Area
  • Description: Located approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) from the Hwy 89 turnoff on the east side of the park, it features a short, accessible nature trail.
  • Accessible Trails: The Swiftcurrent Nature Trail begins at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead and extends a short distance to a bridge.
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets and sinks with running water

Many Glacier Campground
  • Description: Located approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) from the Hwy 89 turnoff on the east side of the park, it’s one of the most popular campgrounds in the park.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: None
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets and sinks with running water
  • Drinking Water: Potable water is accessible in the campground.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
  • Description: Located approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) from the Hwy 89 turnoff on the east side of the park, it houses a camp store, and a casual restaurant.
  • Showers: A separate building near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn houses token-operated showers and has one ADA accessible unisex shower stall.
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Drinking Water: Yes
 

North Fork

Polebridge Ranger Station
  • Description: Located in the North Fork area, approximately 27 miles (43.4 km) from the West Entrance.

Bowman Campground
  • Description: Located in the North Fork area, approximately 32.5 miles (52.3 km) from the West Entrance. The drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy ride on dirt roads; large recreational vehicles are not recommended.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Sites #3 and #7
  • Restrooms: Pit toilets, but they are not fully accessible.
  • Drinking Water: Yes

Kintla Lake Campground
  • Description: Located in the uppermost northwest section of the North Fork area, approximately 40 miles (64.3 km) from the West Entrance. The drive is very slow and bumpy on dirt roads; large recreational vehicles are not recommended.
  • Designated Accessible Campsites: Site #13
  • Restrooms: Pit toilets, but they are not fully accessible.
  • Drinking Water: A hand pump is available for potable water.
 

Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle System

Glacier's shuttle system provides two-way service along Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Centers. All buses include a wheelchair ramp or lift and feature lockdowns. Visit the Shuttle System page for route details and further information.

Bus Tours

Sun Tours
Their accessible coaches have lifts and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs at a time, including motorized chairs. Make accessibility requests known upon booking. There is also room in coaches for walkers and strollers, as well as space for small mobile tanks for visitors bringing portable oxygen.

Visit the Sun Tours page for contact information.


Red Buses
There are a limited number of red buses that are wheelchair accessible. Make accessibility requests known upon booking.

Visit the Bus Tours page for contact information.

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Trails and Self-Guided Walks
Going-to-the-Sun Road
  • Lake McDonald Trail by the Lake McDonald Lodge boat dock, 360-foot (109 m) concrete surface
  • Upper McDonald Creek Trail off North Lake McDonald Road to the overlook of McDonald Falls, 0.5-mile (0.8 km) paved surface
  • Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail at Avalanche Campground, 0.7-mile (1.1 km) wood/asphalt surface
  • Oberlin Bend Trail, 400-foot (121 m) metal-grated surface
US Highway 2
  • Goat Lick Overlook: 400-foot (121 m) asphalt surface
Two Medicine
  • Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail: 1,800-foot (548 m) stabilized soil surface
Many Glacier
  • Swiftcurrent Nature Trail at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, 0.25-mile (400 m) stabilized soil surface

Last updated: March 7, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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