By JUSTIN FRANZ for the Flathead Beacon Newspaper
Plow crews in Glacier National Park are slowly making their way up Going-to-the-Sun Road, although there is no set date for when the route to Logan Pass will be open. As of May 3, the road was open to vehicles as far as Avalanche on the west side and Rising Sun on the east side.
People can hike and bike parts of the road closed to traffic, but park spokesperson Denise Germann said visitors should be prepared “because conditions can change.”
“It might be really nice in the valley, but it can be a lot different up top,” she said.
Last week, the West Lakes Road Crew had plowed out a cut at Grouse Point, approximately four miles west of Logan Pass. Plows are finding snow as deep as 18 feet. On the other side, the Hudson Bay Road Crew has plowed as far as the St. Mary Falls area.
A plow busts through a drift on Going-to-the-Sun Road on May 1. | Photo courtesy of Glacier National Park.
Germann said construction will begin on the lower parts of the road this week. Roadwork will restrict access for hikers and bikers, so the weekend might be the best time to explore the area. Germann said it is best to call the park at (406) 888-7800 or check out www.nps.gov/glac before visiting.
As of May 6, the Inside North Fork Road is open eight miles between the Polebridge Ranger Station and the head of Big Prairie. The Camas, Chief Mountain, Many Glacier and Two Medicine roads are also open. The Cut Bank Road is currently closed at the park boundary due to weather.
Germann says although it’s early in the season, there is still plenty to do inside Glacier National Park.
“Enjoy it, because these are great opportunities for all levels of hikers and bikers,” she said.