Glacier reopens, but snow closes Logan Pass

The gates to Glacier National Park reopened Thursday morning following a 16-day federal government shutdown that closed all national parks across the country.

Senate leaders reached a deal Wednesday that will fund the government through Jan. 15 and put federal employees back to work.

About 250 Glacier Park employees were furloughed during the shutdown. The park kept on 20-30 employees to manage the park closure.

“We are pleased to have the park open for visitors and continue with our responsibilities of managing and protecting the resources,” Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow said.

Crews made a sweep of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to clean debris and rocks from the road. When the road is clear, public access will be allowed to Big Bend through Sunday, Oct. 20.

Access to Logan Pass will remain closed for the season due to snow.

There is about two feet of snow in the Logan Pass parking area and snow slides of 6 to 8 feet along the inside of the road in the Rim Rocks area located just below Logan Pass.

Road crews currently are winterizing the Sun Road, including the removal of more than 400 guard rails and installation of approximately 600 snow poles.

Apgar, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, Quartz Creek and St. Mary Campgrounds are open to primitive camping. 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 reminded that any water taken from streams or lakes requires treatment before use. 

The Apgar Visitor Center is open every weekend, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.