Good weather boosts Park visitor numbers

Glacier National Park visitation to date is 3.2 percent higher than last year, according to National Park Service figures. Through July, the Park saw 1,156,976 recreational visits, compared to 1,120,873 for the same time period last year.

There were some drops in the numbers. Visitation to Polebridge was down slightly. Last year, nearly 15,000 passed through the gates last July; this year saw about 14,154.

Walton and the Goat Lick also saw a decrease, as did Two Medicine. Walton had 21,762 visits this year, compared to 25,373 last year — a drop of 14.2 percent. Two Medicine was down 6.7 percent, with 43,474 this year and 46,583 last year.

The largest increase was at the West Entrance — a 7.3 percent increase from 267,340 to 286,755. Many Glacier was up 3.9 percent with 82,308 this July and 79,243 last July.

The backcountry was also busy, with a 5.5 percent increase from 8,232 to 8,687. Overall backcountry stays are up 8.7 percent for the year, with 11,304 people camping out in the Park’s woods.

The weather plays a huge role in Park visitation. This year’s July saw little rain and warm temperatures.