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Glacier National Park, established in May of 1910, is not merely a park but a revered sanctuary within Montana's untamed wilderness. Here, the rugged peaks are the domain of mountain goats, their sure-footed traverses a testament to nature's resilience. Along the shores of crystal-clear lakes and rushing rivers, grizzlies forage in preparation for the long winter ahead, echoing a primal cycle that has played out for centuries.
Spanning an expansive 1,600 square miles, Glacier beckons adventurers with over 700 hiking trails, each offering a unique glimpse into its diverse ecosystems. From alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers to ancient forests echoing with the calls of wildlife, every corner of the park tells a story of resilience and adaptation.
The legacy of the early American frontiersmen who explored these lands lives on in the spirit of exploration and conservation that defines Glacier National Park. As one of the Crown Jewels of the Continent, its rugged beauty and untouched landscapes continue to inspire and captivate visitors from around the globe. For more information and to plan your visit, you can explore the park's official website here.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
ACCESSING THE PARK
The west entrance to the park is located 20 miles east of Columbia Falls, off of HWY 2. At the entrance kiosk, pay the entry fee or present your national park pass to gain access. In addition to the entry fee, a reservation ticket is required for park-goers visiting between May 28th and September 6th.
Rates Include:
$2 - Going-to-the-Sun Road Entry Reservation Ticket
$20 - single vehicle for 1 day
$35 - single vehicle for 7 days
$70 - GNP Annual Pass
GOING TO THE SUN ROAD
Stretching for 50 miles, its zenith marked at Logan's Pass (6,646 ft), where east-side snow drifts can measure up to 80 ft deep, Glacier National's iconic main road broke ground in 1929. By the summer of 1933, work had completed on this civil engineering landmark, granting park-pilgrims access to the full expanse of Montana's most treasured wilderness. Today, snow-plows clear the the way around hairpin turns alongside rocky alpine canyons, where gushing glacial rivers flow across the Continental Divide. Going to the Sun Road takes modern pioneers to the some of the country's most coveted trailheads, where 1600 collective miles of back-country adventure begins and rapturous solitude is sought.
Entry Reservation Ticket Must be purchased prior to arrival at Recreation.gov
PARK PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
For requisite backcountry permits, lodge and campground reservations, please visit www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.html
Current Conditions
For all its natural majesty, Glacier National Park can be an unforgiving and treacherous place. It's always best to check with the experts before venturing out into the wilderness . Get current weather updates and information about other potential hazards at: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
POLEBRIDGE MONTANA
Heading northwards from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, you'll discover one of the most remote towns in the lower 48. It's a place where only fur trappers and native tribes once tread. Polebridge, Montana, a 27 mile drive (over dirt and gravel) from West Glacier, is well worth a trip up the rugged North Fork Road. The unincorporated, solar powered town, was founded in 1912. Rural charm is always on display at it’s iconic mercantile & bakery. Stop by for fresh coffee, huckleberry pastries and gifts. Polebridge is your last stop for supplies before Glacier Park’s northwest entrance, the access point for two freshwater jewels- Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake. https://polebridgemerc.com
BOWMAN LAKE
If you're headed to Bowman Lake, the 3rd largest lake in Glacier National Park, prepare for six miles of narrow, winding, potholed road, once you're through the park entrance. Beyond Bowman's campsite, you'll find a scene from a frontiersman's halcyon dream: crystal water mirroring blue skies that arc above the wild Livingston Mountain range, at the Continental Divide.
KINTLA LAKE
Kintla Lake's inaccessibility makes it one of the most remote lakes in all of Glacier National Park. There is a strict no-motor, policy at Kintla, so don’t plan on bringing anything with an engine. Instead, bring your canoe, kayak or paddle board with you, over the 40 mile rugged road to Kintla.
WILDLIFE
More valuable than Oro y Plata, Montana's rich wildlife is the real treasure of "The Treasure State." The animals that hunt and roam our mountains, swim our rivers and soar across the big sky are a unique draw for visitors worldwide. Be it bear, goat or eagle, wildlife sightings are a common yet profound occurrence both around Whitefish city proper and in Glacier National Park's vast wilderness. Keep a healthy respect our wildlife by: never letting kids play outside unsupervised, closing lower windows whenever you leave your lodge and keeping all food items inside.
