Paddles, Trails, and Automobiles

Paddles 

The whitewater rafting on Glacier’s border rivers is at its most thrilling in the spring, as peak runoff typically occurs then. As summer gets fully underway, overnight and full day rafting is where it’s at! Relax in the morning, eat lunch riverside, and go for a swim. Summer weather is typically hot, sunny, and perfect for being on the river!

If rapids aren’t your thing, the Scenic stretch of the river is always relaxing. We especially love it on fall afternoon, as the leaves shine gold against the turquoise waters. There’s nothing quite like time on our Wild and Scenic rivers – don’t miss out on this unique experience.

Fly fishing is a classic Montana adventure. As runoff slows down, and the rivers clear up, the fishing gets hot on the Flathead river system, and stays hot through fall. Whether you hire a guide or rent a boat and go on your own, be sure to pick up a Montana fishing license and to brush up on your Leave No Trace river skills.

Trails

Hiking in the spring is typically at lower elevations, less crowded, and lovely! On the west side of the park, we love making a day out of stringing together several shorter hikes like Rocky Point and Johns Lake. On the east side of the park, short hikes in Two Medicine like Paradise Point and Running Eagle Falls are a great way to ease into hiking season.

Many of Glacier’s most famous trails usually open in July, like the Highline, Grinnell Glacier, and Ptarmigan Tunnel. But if you’re looking for solitude, we recommend less known gems like the hikes to Upper Two Medicine Lake and Otokomi Lake.

Fall temperatures might be our favorites for hiking. You’ll probably find us hiking in the Belly River and Cut Bank drainages. Triple Divide Pass is a special favorite for those in advanced hiking shape. In St. Mary, 3.6 mile Beaver Pond Loop offers beautiful valley floor views for adults and kiddos alike.

Automobiles

This year, Glacier is taking action to protect the $200+ million dollar investment recently made into the Going to the Sun Road. The Pavement Preservation Project will make the road smoother and nicer for biking and walking! As a result, the Sun Road will close between Avalanche and Logan Pass on some weekdays – not weekends – this June. You can check out the park’s website to keep up with what’s open. https://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm

Also as a result of this project, the Sun Road will not open before June 22 this year – it could be later. Be patient, watch the website for updates, and enjoy springtime. As soon as the road fully opens, the park gets busy! Definitely drive the full length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but don’t forget that it’s fun to drive Glacier’s other roads, too.

This fall, the Pavement Preservation Project continues. The Going-to-the-Sun Road will close from Avalanche to Logan Pass from September 16-29. There is a silver lining here: there will still be access to Logan Pass from the east side, and the closure will likely mean that popular hikes that leave from Logan Pass may be less crowded than normal. We’re definitely planning to take advantage of this unusual closure!

Glacier Guides & Montana Raft is Here To Help

If you need equipment or a guide for rafting, hiking, fishing, or biking, give us a call at 406-387-5555 or visit our website https://glacierguides.com/ . After all, you won’t know if you don’t go! Go with us.

Written by: Courtney Stone – Glacier Guides & Montana Raft.