Glacier Park plows beyond the Loop

Glacier National Park plow crews were working beyond Crystal Point on Friday, which is about a mile beyond the Loop on the road’s west side, park officials said.

Hiker and biker access when plows are working was at North lake McDonald Road, but there usually aren’t restrictions when plows aren’t working, like the weekends and later in the evening.

Closures are typically well marked.

Hikers and bikers should expect ice on some portions of the roadway and ice cleats are recommended. There is also the threat of avalanches at and beyond Avalanche Creek. Folks are urged not to linger in avalanche chutes.

The weekend weather isn’t expected to not be recreational-friendly, however. Snow is expected on Saturday and Sunday is supposed to be cold and wet and as well.

On the east side, the Chief Mountain Road is open for the season and plow crews are working on the Many Glacier Road, park spokeswoman Gina Kerzman said.

The Many Glacier Road is closed to hikers and bikers because of road construction. It won’t open until late May. The Sun Road is open to hiking and biking on the east side to Rising Sun.

The border with Canada remains closed due to the pandemic. Park officials have said previously they don’t expect it to open until September.

Once the Many Glacier Road is plowed, crews will begin work on the Two Medicine Road.

The Camas Road is plowed its entire length and open to hikers and bikers.

Folks should also be bear aware — Glacier is home to black and grizzly bears and they are emerging from their dens. Carrying bear spray, making noise are all highly recommended while recreating in bear country.

Also, the Park reminds folks to please pack out all garbage and dispose of it properly. That includes fruit peels, like oranges, which can take months to decompose. With more visitors in the Park, garbage has become a problem.