Park transitioning into fall schedule
Glacier National Park officials announced the last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle from the west side will be Sunday, Sept. 18. This early closing date is to allow accelerated fall season rehabilitation work on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Vehicle traffic will be restricted on the west side at Avalanche Creek beginning Monday, Sept. 19. Vehicle access to Logan Pass will be available from the east side of the park through Sunday, Oct. 16, weather permitting.
There will be hiker and biker access on the Sun Road this fall while road rehabilitation activities are taking place, but there may be restrictions in construction zones. It is anticipated that there will be hiker and biker access from Avalanche Creek to Haystack Creek through early-to-mid-October.
Parking at Avalanche Creek is limited. Some areas of the road may have a gravel surface and bicyclists should use caution. Additional updates regarding hiker and biker access will be provided throughout the fall. The free shuttle transportation service accessing Logan Pass and locations along the Sun Road will operate through Labor Day, Sept. 5.
Some Park campgrounds are already transitioning to primitive status, and some campgrounds will close beginning Labor Day. Campgrounds in primitive status have pit toilets available, no potable water and a limited number of camp sites, but 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.
Fish Creek and St. Mary Campgrounds and four group sites at Apgar Campground may be reserved for camping through Sept. 4 online at www.recreation.gov or by calling toll free 877-444-6777. Sites that are not reserved may be available first-come first-serve through Sept. 4.
Overnight camping in the Park by a person or party is limited between July 1 through Labor Day to a total of 14 days in either a single period or combined separate periods. Between Labor Day and June 30, overnight camping shall not exceed 30 days.
Fires must be kept inside fire grates and attended to at all times. When leaving, be sure that the fire is dead out. Campers are also reminded to maintain a clean camp and ensure that all food and garbage are stored out of reach of bears and other wildlife at all times. All edibles, pet food, food containers and cookware must be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night.
Fall campground schedule
Apgar
Campground closes Oct. 10
Primitive camping Oct. 10 - Nov. 30 in picnic area
Winter camping Dec. 1 - March 31 in picnic area
Avalanche
Campground closes Sept. 5
Bowman Lake
Primitive camping begins Sept. 12 (closing date is weather dependent)
Cut Bank
Campground closes Sept. 5
Fish Creek
Campground closes Sept. 5
Kintla Lake
Primitive camping begins Sept. 12 (closing date is weather dependent)
Logging Creek
Campground closes Sept. 26
Many Glacier
Primitive camping begins Sept. 29-Oct. 31 (closing date is weather dependent)
Quartz Creek
Operated in primitive status all season, through Nov. 28 (closing date is weather dependent)
Rising Sun
Campground closes Sept. 12
Sprague Creek
Campground closes Sept. 12
St. Mary
Reservations end Sept. 4,
First-come first serve Sept. 5-19
Primitive camping Sept. 19-Nov. 30
Winter camping Dec. 1-March 31
Two Medicine
Primitive camping Sept. 19 - Oct. 31 (closing date is weather dependent)
Additional information about campgrounds, including current and historic fill times, can be found at www.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm. For additional park information, visit the park's web site www.nps.gov/glac or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800.