Come and experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans. Explore Glacier National Park and discover what awaits you.
Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains.
Visitors arriving by car will use U. S. Highway 2 to access the park from either the east or west. Visitors can also access the park from the north using Highways 89 or 17.
Climate
Weather in the mountains can be fickle. Visitors may experience temperatures high into the 90s with clear and sunny skies, and then see snow showers and falling temperatures all in the same day.
Glacier National Park is open every day of the year. Winter weather however, tends to dictate when most visitor facilities open. Generally from late May to early September, facilities are open to welcome the flush of summer visitors.
Many people enjoy the "off-seasons" as a time when the park is a bit quieter. Late September and October can be spectacular, but visitors will need to be more self relient, as facilities are closing down for the season. Winter provides a carpet of snow that makes for some good cross-country skiing opportunities. Spring tends to arrive late and last a very brief time, but can provide an interesting and quiet experience.
Roads
Plowing on the Going-to-the-Sun Road begins in April and the entire length of the road is generally open in late May or early June. Other park roads generally open in May. Ten miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (from park headquarters at West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge) are maintained throughout the winter providing access to winter recreation opportunities at the head of the lake.
Fees
7-Day Automobile/Vehicle Permit: $25.00
Things To Do
Glacier Park Inc., offers tours, and scheduled transportation, between park lodges as well as East Glacier, West Glacier, St. Mary, and Waterton (in Canada).
Sun Tours offers interpretive tours, on air conditioned 25 passenger window coaches, highlighting Blackfeet culture. Daily service from West Glacier, East Glacier, St. Mary, and Browning.
Glacier Guides offers guided day hikes and backpacking trips into Glacier's backcountry for one to seven days. Custom trips are available. Camping equipment is available for rent at their West Glacier office.
Outdoor Camping
Enjoy the crackling of a campfire and sleep under the stars in Glacier National Park. With 13 different campgrounds and approximately 1,009 sites to choose from, options are plentiful.
Camping Regulations To enhance your enjoyment and assist in protecting Glacier National Park, please read and comply with all campground regulations.
Contact a park ranger or campground host if you have questions or require assistance. For emergencies call 911.
Camp Sites Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds.
Select a vacant site and pay at a registration area by completing a fee envelope and depositing it in the fee tube within 30 minutes of arrival. Retain the envelope receipt and clip it on your numbered site post. Pay only for the nights you plan to camp - refunds are not available.
Campsite stay is limited to seven consecutive days.
Check out time is 12:00 noon. If staying another night re-register by 11:30 a.m.
Campsite capacity is limited to eight people and two vehicles (where space is available) and unless otherwise designated or upon approval from a park ranger or campground host, a maximum of two tents per site.
Group sites for 9-24 campers are available at Apgar, Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine. Check with a park ranger or campground host prior to using.
Sites may not be left unattended for over 24 hours.
Utility hook-ups are not provided and connection to water, sewer, or electrical outlets is prohibited.
Secure your valuables! Lock in vehicle out of sight.
Food Storage Regulations KEEP A CLEAN CAMP!
Do not attract bears or other wildlife! When not in immediate use, all food, cooking appliances, utensils, storage containers (empty or full), and pet items, that may attract or provide a reward to wildlife, must be kept in a closed hard-sided vehicle, day or night. This includes coolers and beverage containers regardless of use or content.
Campers without vehicles must secure items inavailable food lockers or use hanging devices.
Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around your camp.
Garbage must be properly stored at all times. Use bearproof trash cans.
Quiet hours and Generator Use Activities must be kept to a level that ensures noise does not disturb other campers. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Generator use in campgrounds is permitted only during the hours: 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.; 12 noon – 2:00 p.m.; and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Unreasonable idling of motor vehicles is prohibited.
Violation of food storage regulations may result in a $50 fine and/or confiscation of improperly stored items.
Pets Pets must be on a leash of six feet or less and are allowed within developed areas only, which includes the bike path between Apgar and West Glacier.
Pets are not permitted on trails or roads closed to motor vehicles.
Pets are not to be left unattended at any time, even if caged or tied up and must be restrained while in open-bed trucks.
Pet waste must be collected and deposited in a trash receptacle.
Fires and Firewood It is unlawful to gather or cut firewood except in the following areas:
Along the Inside North Fork Road from one mile north of Fish Creek Campground to Kintla Lake.
Along the Bowman Lake Road.
In the vicinity of backcountry campgrounds allowing wood fires.
In the areas listed above, only dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires.
Fires must be kept inside fire grates and attended all times. Be sure your fire is dead out when leaving for any reason.
Firewood is available for purchase at most camp stores.
Fireworks are prohibited in Glacier National Park.
Sanitation and Water Use Using campground faucets to wash dishes, clothing, clean fish, prepare food, or to bathe is prohibited.
All wastewater, including water from showers and dishwashing, must be contained, and disposed of in utility sinks or at RV dump stations. Do not leave wastewater unattended.
Recreational vehicles must use drain hoses at dump stations.
Fee showers are available at the Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inns and private campgrounds adjacent to the park.
Vehicle and Bicycle Use Campground speed limits are 10 miles per hour.
Bicyclists are responsible for complying with all traffic regulations and are permitted only on roadways.
Preserving the Natural Scene Feeding wildlife is prohibited. Human food is harmful to all wildlife.
Practice Leave No Trace techniques while camping.
Pitch tents on designated pads where provided or on bare ground, not vegetated areas. Leave logs and rocks as you find them and do not move tables to other sites.
Camping in Bear and Mountain Lion Country KEEP A CLEAN CAMP!
Do not approach bears, mountain lions, or other wild animals. They are dangerous!
In their pursuit of food sources, black bears and grizzly bears will be attracted to improperly stored food. Follow National Park Service food storage regulations listed under Food Storage Regulations.
Closely supervise children whenever they are outdoors, even in developed areas.
Unattended pets may attract a lion and result in the loss of your pet.
Report all bear and mountain lion sightings or encounters to the nearest ranger, campground host, visitor center, or by calling (406) 888-7800.
Violation of park regulations will likely result in the issuance of a violation notice!
Over half of the visitors to Glacier National Park report taking a hike. That’s a lot of hikers, but over 700 miles of trail provide many outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips.
Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. Before setting out on your hike, stop by a park visitor center to obtain needed warnings and recommondations. You will increase your odds of a safe hike, decrease your disturbance to park wildlife, and lessen cumulative damage to resources.
Visitor center bookstores carry a complete line of trail guides, topographic maps and field guides to aid the hiker. Publications are also available by mail. Call the Glacier Natural History Association at (406) 888-5756, to request a catalog.
Self-guided walks interpret trailside features with brochures and signs. The Trail of the Cedars, Forest and Fire, Hidden Lake, Sun Point, Running Eagle Falls, and Swiftcurrent Nature Trails encourage hikers to experience Glacier National Park at their own pace. The Trail of the Cedars and Running Eagle Falls are wheelchair accessible.
Glacier National Park offers a variety of boating experiences. Boat launching ramps are available on Bowman and McDonald Lakes on the west side, and St. Mary and Two Medicine Lakes on the east side of the park.
Boat rentals are available at Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine.
Canoes or rafts can be carried to many smaller waters. White water canoeing, kayaking, or rafting can be enjoyed on the Flathead River which forms the south and west boundary of Glacier.
The rivers and lakes in this mountainous region are very cold. All water users (boaters, swimmers, and skiers) should be aware of the dangers of hypothermia at any time of the year.
Registration
All motorboats and sailboats 12 feet in length and longer must be registered and numbered according to State of Montana regulations. Hand propelled boats are exempt, and boats from other states or countries may be used temporarily without Montana registration.
Rules of the Waterways
Keep to the right in channels when safe & practicable.
Keep to the right when approaching another boat head-on or nearly so.
Boats propelled by a motor shall keep clear of boats propelled by oars, paddles, or sails.
Yield right-of-way to vessels on your right side in crossing situations.
Yield right-of-way to vessels you overtake or pass.
Where Permitted
Hand-propelled boats and sailboats are permitted on all park waters, except on a section of Upper McDonald Creek. The section of Upper McDonald Creek between Mineral Creek and Lake McDonald is closed to all types of boating and floating to protect nesting Harlequin Ducks.
Privately owned motorboats and motor vessels are prohibited from all park waters with the exception of the following: motorboats and motor vessels are allowed on McDonald, Sherburne, St. Mary, Two Medicine, and Waterton Lakes (no boat launch ramps exist on Sherburne Lake; only hand carried craft are permitted).
Motorboats and motor vessels are allowed on Bowman and Two Medicine Lakes but are limited to ten (10) horsepower or less.
Required Equipment
A wearable type personal floatation device for each person on board, classified as Type I, II, III, or V.
The throwable (Type IV) floatation device, such as a cushion or ring bouy, can no longer be substituted.
Children under 12 must wear a personal floatation device.
Flame arrestor (USCG approved) on each carburetor on inboard gasoline engines.
Fire extinguisher(s) (B-1 type) or a fixed fire extinguisher system for all inboard engines and outboards with enclosed fuel compartments.
Sound producing device for each motorboat 16 feet and longer.
Navigation lights for motorboats and sailboats used between sunset & sunrise.
Accidents and Reports
Any accident resulting in death, personal injury, or property damage shall be reported (by each boat operator involved) to a park ranger as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours after the incident. Boaters should render assistance to all persons needing help.
Give in writing the name and address of the boat operator and the identification of the boat to any injured person or to the owner of any property damaged.
Not Allowed
Reckless or negligent boat handling so as to endanger or be likely to endanger the lives of others.
Boat handling by any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Riding the gunwales, transom, or foredeck while boat is moving faster than 5 mph.
Swimming from boat while underway.
Interference with other boats or with free & proper navigation of waterways.
Leaving a boat unattended for more than 24 hours without specific authority from the superintendent or his duly authorized representative.
Using trailers to launch or recover vessels at a site other than at a designated boat launching site.
Overloading of boats.
Installation of any obstruction whatever in the water.
Operating "airboats."
"Para-sailing"
Use of personal watercraft on any park waters.
Operating a vessel in excess of 5 mph within 100 feet of a diver's marker, downed water skier, or swimmer.
Discharging toilet wastes into the water.
Depositing trash, refuse, or debris of any kind in the water.
Water Skiing
While water skiing, at least two competent persons must be in the towing boat, one of whom (other than the operator) must observe the person being towed.
Each person being towed must wear a lifesaving device. If device being worn is not approved by the USCG, an approved device must be readily available in towing boat. Anyone water skiing must wear personal floatation device - ski belts are not USCG approved and are no longer acceptable.
Water skiing is permitted only on Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake, and only from sunrise to sunset. Towing is prohibited within 100 feet of any person swimming or diving.
Noise Level
A federal regulation prohibits the use of watercraft exceeding 82 decibels of noise within all national parks. This regulation is strictly enforced on all park waters. Those operating personal watercraft and other high-powered boats should check their engine noise levels to be sure they comply with the regulations. Personal watercraft (jet skis) are currently prohibited.
Shoreline Closures
Boating may be restricted in certain areas for safety or to protect sensitive wildlife habitat. Marker buoys and/or signing will be placed to designate the closures.
To provide for the safety of the general public using beaches for swimming and other similar activities, the segments of the south shoreline of Lake McDonald, as described below, are closed to the beaching of any motorized watercraft; and, motorized watercraft are prohibited within an area extending into the water 300 feet perpendicular to the shoreline.
The section of shoreline beginning at the outlet of the lake and extending eastward approximately 60 yards west of the existing concession boat docking facility.
The section of shoreline beginning at the Apgar Amphitheater and extending eastward to the point the shoreline meets the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Camping
Undesignated camping is not allowed on lakes or lakeshores. A Backcountry Use Permit is required for all designated backcountry campsites. A fee of $4 per person per night will be charged at the time of permit issuance (June 1 through September 30). There is no fee for campers aged 16 and under. An additional fee of $20 will be charged for confirmed advance reservations.
Regulation
Park rangers may inspect or board any boat for the purpose of examining documents, licenses, and/or other permits relating to the operation of the boat and to inspect the boat to determine compliance with regulations.
Boat Trips and Rentals
Glacier National Park is a land of big lakes. Boat tours with commentary are available to take visitors deep into the park at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, and Lake McDonald. Optional guided hikes are offered on some cruises at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun. Small boat rentals available at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.
Fishing
The primary purpose of Glacier National Park is to preserve natural ecosystems for their aesthetic, educational, cultural and scientific values. Fishing is permitted when consistent with preservation or restoration of natural aquatic environments, native fishes, and other aquatic life.
Your legs are burning and your heart is pounding. You glance back and see just how far you've come and then, almost afraid, you look up ahead to Logan Pass and see how far you still have to go. Welcome to bicycling on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It's an exhilarating and challenging way to see Glacier National Park, and one that is becoming more and more popular each year.
Cyclists must observe all traffic regulations. Keep well to the right side of the road and ride in single file only. Pull off the road if four or more vehicles stack up behind you. In fog or after dark a white light in front and a red reflector on the rear of your bicycle are required. Be visible! Helmets are strongly advised. Attach a bright flag on a pole and wear light-colored clothing. Watch for falling rocks, drainage grates, and ice on road.
For safety and to ease congestion, restrictions are in effect on sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, from June 15 through Labor Day:
From Apgar Campground to Sprague Creek Campground bicycles are prohibited, both directions, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
From Logan Creek to Logan Pass east-bound (uphill) bicycle traffic is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Start early! It takes about 45 minutes to ride from Sprague Creek to Logan Creek and about three hours from Logan Creek to Logan Pass.
Bicycle rentals are not available inside the park.
Hiker/Biker Campsites
A limited number of sites at Apgar, Fish Creek, Sprague Creek, Avalanche, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, Two Medicine, and St. Mary campgrounds are held until 9:00 p.m. for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. Sites are shared and have a capacity of 8 people; larger groups must split up. The fee is $3.00 per person. If hiker/biker sites are full, campers must use regular unoccupied campsites.
In Glacier, bicycles are restricted to roadways, bike routes, or parking areas and are not allowed on trails.
Winter ski and snowshoe trails throughout Glacier offer access to spectacular scenery and some uncrowded recreational opportunities.
Nearby Attractions
While a visit to Glacier can take days or weeks to see everything, there are many other places nearby that offer a host of different and interesting vacation options. One must-see is our sister park across the International Border, Waterton Lakes National Park. The other half of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes offers great hiking, scenic boat cruises, and several scenic drives all centered around the townsite of Waterton.
Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Immediately east of Glacier National Park lies the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. A visit to the Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning, Montana is a fascinating way to explore thier rich cultural heritage.
Other National Park Sites In Montana
Montana is well known for its natural beauty and cultural history. Some of the more special places have been preserved by the National Park Service. Either on your way to Glacier or on your way home, check out these other interesting National Park areas.
