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Glacier: Points Of Interest On The Going To The Sun Road

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Glacier National Park

Logan Pass Area, Hidden Lake

Enjoyment of Glacier's beauty and serenity takes many forms. The National Park Service offers a variety of interpretive services to help the visitor learn more about the park. The park is open all year; however, access and facilities are limited during winter months.

Schedule and Information: Ranger-guided walks, campfire programs, and evening presentations are offered June through September. At ranger stations and visitor centers you can find publications and schedules of events, including day hikes, backcountry hiking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding.

Visitor centers are open seven days a week at St. Mary from mid-May through September, at Logan Pass from mid-June through September, and at Apgar from May through October. Apgar Visitor Center is also open during winter weekends.

Hiking and Camping: There are more than 1,168 kilometers (730 miles) of trails through Glacier. During the summer, hiking for just an afternoon or for several days will introduce you to the park in a way that is impossible from an automobile. If you wish to camp in the backcountry overnight, you will need a backcountry camping permit, which can be obtained at Apgar, St. Mary, and major ranger stations. These permits are issued a maximum of 24 hours in advance on a "first-come" basis. Backcountry sites are limited. Have several destinations/ routes in mind. You may not always get your first or second choices! Backcountry guide services are available.

Trails are usually passable at the lower elevations by mid-June, but many of the highcountry passes may not be free of snow until late July. It is important that all hikers stay on marked trails and avoid crossing steep snow banks. Self-contained stoves are required in most backcountry areas, and pets are not allowed on the trails. Owners of seeing eye dogs should check in at a ranger station before using backcountry trails.

Several styles of camping await the visitor. There are eight campgrounds accessible by paved road-Apgar, Avalanche Creek, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, St. Mary, Two Medicine, and Sprague Creek. Trailer space is provided at all but Sprague Creek, which is closed to towed vehicles. Fireplaces, tables, washrooms, and cold running water are offered at all of these campgrounds, but utility connections are not provided. To get closer to nature, consider camping off a graveled road where only fireplaces, tables, and pit toilets are provided. This style of camping can be found at Cut Bank, Kintia Lake, and Quartz Creek. The roads to these areas are narrow and rough, so inquire at a ranger station before driving into the campground with a trailer or camper. Camp in designated campgrounds only.

Build fires only in fireplaces provided and make sure that your fire is out and cold before you leave the campground. A digest of camping regulations is available at park headquarters, entrance stations, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Horseback Riding. Scheduled, guided horseback riding trips are available at Many Glacier, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Apgar. Visitors with their own horses should request the free brochure on private stock use for regulations and restrictions concerning horseback riding in the park.

Boating and Fishing. Boating is permitted on some of Glacier's lakes; motor size is restricted to 10hp on most lakes. Excursion boat cruises are offered at Many Glacier, Rising Sun, Waterton Lake, Two Medicine, and Lake McDonald. Fishing is an excellent way to enjoy Glacier's lakes and streams. A free folder on fishing regulations is available on request. Most streams in Glacier are swift-running and very cold, even in summer. Be careful when near these streams and watch your footing at all times. A Montana state fishing license is not required within the park.

Bicycles. Bicycling in Glacier can be fun but some roads are narrow and winding with little or no shoulder. For this reason bicycling is restricted in the most hazardous sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak traffic periods from June 15 to Labor Day. Signs are posted showing time for use. Bicycles may be used only on established roads and parking areas or on designated routes. It is best to bicycle , Going-to-the-Sun Road from east to west. However, the downhill portion out of Logans’ Pass going west to east is a screamer on either road or Mt. bike! Have good brakes, as turns come hairpin hard and fast, (preferably a couple of friends with CBs or walkie-talkies in front and/or back.

Winter Activities. Visiting Glacier during the winter will show you yet another dimension of this park. It is a season when nature is in control. Wintertime offers great rewards but, the potential for disaster is also great. The season usually runs from late December to April. Rely on skis or snowshoes for getting around, as few roads in the park are cleared. Wear layers of light, warm clothing, preferably wool or synthetic undergarments, and have with you a water-repellent jacket or shell. The visitor center at Apgar is open on weekends.

Climbing: Weather conditions make mountain climbing especially challenging. Along with the inherent dangers of snow and ice-covered slopes, avalanche danger increases. Register all climbs with a ranger and ask for the latest information pertinent to your trip. Please check the latest avalanche hazard and weather advisory before entering Glaciers backcountry.

For additional information about the park, write to: Superintendent, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936. Or phone 406-888-5441. TDD service for people with a telecommunication device for the deaf can call 406-888-5790.

***Separate entry fees are charged for Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park.

SAFETY AND BEARS IN GLACIER

Check with a ranger about current hiking conditions and regulations.

Pets are not allowed on any trails in Glacier National Park.

Prepare for a variety of weather. Even in the middle of summer, it, can be sunny in the morning, and rain, hail, or snow in the afternoon.

Wear a hat, and drink water to prevent heat stroke on hot days.

Hypothermia is possible even on warm sunny days, especially if you become wet or if it is windy. Stay dry. Pack layers of clothing that can be put on or taken off as conditions warrant.

Glacier's water is clear and cold, but may contain Giardia. Don't drink untreated surface water in the park.

Traveling over snow or ice is dangerous. Never cross steep untreaded snow-fields without the proper equipment,.

Horses and mules have the right of way. Move off the trail on the downhill side, and stand quietly until they pass.

Do not cut across switchbacks, it scars the landscape, causes harmful erosion, and damages park resources.

Bicycles are not permitted on trails in Glacier National Park.

BEARS

BEFORE STARTING YOUR HIKE, READ THE INFORMATION ABOUT BEARS IN THE WATERTON/ GLACIER GUIDE

Hiking alone is not recommended. Hike in a group and stay together.

Do not approach bears! They are exceptionally fast and you can not outrun them.

Don't surprise a bear. Let bears know you are coming by making noise. Bears will often move away if they hear people coming.

Bells may not be as effective as many people believe. The. human voice works better. Call out, sing, or talk loudly and often.

Most hikers do not, encounter bears, but people have been seriously injured, maimed, or killed by bears in Glacier.

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR, THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS MAY HELP.

Talk quietly or not at all. Back away slowly! Stop if the bear seems to be getting agitated.

Bend at the knees and turn sideways. You will appear smaller and less threatening.

Use peripheral vision. Bears may often interpret direct eye contact as threatening.

A charge may only be a bluff and the bear may stop. If the bear does not stop, fall to the ground in a fetal position to reduce the trauma of an attack.

Glacier N.P.: Points Of Interest
Along The Going To The Sun Road

MILES COUNTED FROM: West Glacier to St.Mary

1. West Glacier 0.0 50.1 All services available in this community just outside the park.

2. Apgar 2.6 47.5 Visitor center, boat dock, all services except gas

3. Lake Mc Donald Historic District 10.8 39.3 Situated on the shores of Lake McDonald, the lodge . is reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with a hunting lodge . atmosphere. All services are available.

4. Sacred Dancing Cascade 12.8 37.3 Enjoy a short 0.5 mile walk through a red . Johns Lake cedar/hemlock forest to boggy Johns Lake. Look for moose and waterfowl

5. Trail of the Cedars 16.2 33.9 This 0.3 mile handicapped accessible trail winds. Avalanche Campground through an old cedar/hemlock forest. Such old growth forests provide critical habitat for a variety of wildlife.

6. The Loop 24.6 25.5 The Loop affords a scenic view of Heaven's Peak. A strenuous 4 mile hike to Granite Park Chalet begins here.

7. Bird Woman Falls Overlook 26.8 23.3 Across the valley Bird Woman Falls cascades from a hanging valley on the slopes of Mt. Oberlin. Haystack Creek flows under the road directly ahead.

8. Weeping Wall 28.7 21.4 Roll up your windows as you pass the Weeping Wall. A gushing waterfall in spring, the flow reduces to a mere trickle in fall.

9. Logan Pass 32.0 17.1 At an elevation of 6680 ft., the Logan Pass Visitor Center sits atop the Continental Divide. Exhibits, publications, and informative programs available

10. Jackson Glacier Overlook 36.1 14.0 This is the best view of a glacier from the Going-to-.the-Sun Road Trailhead for Gunsight Lake and Gunsight Pass

11. Sunrift Gorge 39.4 10.7 A spectacular view of a water carved gorge is just a short 75' walk. . . . Look for water ouzels in the creek. This chunky slate-grey bird is often sighted along rushing streams, foraging for aquatic insects.

12. Sun Point 40.0 10.1 Stretch your legs, as you explore the effects of water, wind, ice, and . . sunlight on the 1.2 mile Sun Point Nature Trail. Views of Baring Falls and St. Mary Lake are highlights.

*Park oversize vehicles here to continue over the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This applies to most RVs!

13. Rising Sun 43.8 6.3 Campground, boat dock, all services available.

14. Two Dog Flats 48.0 2.1 This native grassland community provides important habitat for a number of species. Hawks prey upon small mammals while songbirds forage on seeds and insects. Two Dog Flats supplies needed winter . . . range for a large elk population

15. St. Mary Visitor Center 49.3 0.8 Exhibits, publications, and informative programs available.

16. St. Mary 50.1 0.0 All services available in this community just outside the park.

Glacier National:
Nyack/Coal Creek Camping Zone

This area offers exceptional opportunities for solitude, higher levels of challenge and risk, and requires leave no trace camping techniques. Camping here is not restricted to designated campgrounds. Outside designated campgrounds, camping is limited to a maximum of two nights at any one site and a party size of six people. Parties with stock may only use campgrounds designated for stock.

Camp at least 100 feet from lakes or streams, 1/2 mile from any patrol cabin or designated campground, at least 50 yards from trails, and out of sight and sound of trails and other parties. Pick a durable spot away from moist meadows. Dry grassy areas are much more resilient than those with forbs or low shrubs. Areas with thick duff and little vegetation are also good. Avoid areas that look like they've only been used a few times. They may grow back if left alone. Leave the area with as little human impact as possible.

Wood fires are not allowed. Carry a self-contained stove for cooking. Cook and eat well away from camp in an area where cooking does not disturb vegetation. Store food well away from camp and suspend food and packs ten feet up and four feet away from tree trunks. Be sure to carry enough rope. Never store food in tents or sleeping area. Where pit toilets are not available, dispose of human waste in a shallow hole, 6" deep, at least 200 feet from water or trails, then cover it with soil.

Fishing

Ask for a copy of the park fishing regulations. Catch and release is recommended when backpacking. This avoids odors associated with cooking and problems of skin and bone disposal. When cleaning fish in the backcountry, puncture the air bladder, and throw entrails into deep water at least 200 feet from the nearest campsite or trail. Pack out bones and other remains. Do not bury or burn entrails, as they attract bears.

Helpful Publications

The Glacier Natural History Association sells material to aid the backcountry user. You may find the following publications useful:

U.S.G.S. Topographic Map of Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park - Waterton Lakes National Park Trails Illustrated Map

Hikers Guide to Glacier National Park

Roads and Trails of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Trail Guide to Glacier National Park

For a catalog of publications write to:
Glacier Natural History Association
P.O. Box 428
West Glacier, Montana 59936
(406) 888-5756

Additional Information:
Superintendent, Glacier National Park
West Glacier, Mt. 59936
Phone: (406) 888-5441

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