float trips glacier national park

WILD RIVER ADVENTURES

Glacier national park whitewater rafting.

Looking for family-friendly scenic and whitewater rafting trips in Glacier National Park?  Wild River Adventures, located in West Glacier, Montana, has the best selection of standard and customized , whitewater , scenic and family rafting on the Flathead River. Wild River Adventures is a locally owned and operated rafting company offering customizable river rafting trips in the Glacier National Park area. We have been providing quality-outfitted trips in this beautiful part of the world since 1985.

We emphasize affordable adventures that are suited to the needs of our individual customers. Our river trips are an experience that the entire family will remember, and we’re happy to see the same familiar faces year after year.

We train constantly in risk management and require our staff to maintain their Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and River Rescue certifications. Our guides enjoy sharing conservation education, allowing us all to experience the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic Corridor with minimal impact.

Exciting rapids or relaxing scenic floats

Fly fish with experienced guides

All-Inclusive camping

Hit the trail

Wild River Adventures

Overnight Rafting

Multi-day & overnight rafting adventures.

Since 1987, Glacier Guides and Montana Raft has guided  whitewater rafting and scenic  float trips on the Flathead River, bordering Glacier National Park. The North and Middle Forks of the Flathead form Glacier’s stunning southwestern border. Overnight rafting Glacier Park adventures afford a unique opportunity to nearly everyone — ages three and up! — to gaze at the beauty of Glacier National Park. Later, you’ll never forget looking up at Glacier’s dark, star studded skies, without having to hike or carry a pack. From young families to retirees, multi-day raft trips mean FUN!

Overnight trips all end in the West Glacier area. The longest trips starting farthest upriver. An average day’s float is 15 miles of spectacular scenery, with most of the whitewater — if any — coming in the last day. These trips use the North Fork of the Flathead River during late summer, and the Middle Fork in early and mid summer. Finally,  we can customize any trip – just ask!

2 Day Overnight Glacier National Park Rafting Trip

Moderate, Family Friendly

$475 Adult | $399 Child

Private Overnight Rafting Adventures

Easy or Moderate, Family Friendly

2-3 Days, your choice!

$300/person/day

Glacier National Park Star Party Float

$675 per person

The more, the merrier.

Rafting Testimonial

We had such a great time! Our guide was Nicolette, and she was fantastic. She was so knowledgeable about the park, river, and everything Montana. We weren’t sure what to expect upon arrival, and ended up making the best memories of our trip. I very highly recommend this company & the relaxing raft tour. Make it a priority if you’re visiting Glacier! Will definitely be back!

— Amanda Stenzel

Great ride! The views were amazing. Connor was our guide and did a great job sharing his knowledge of the route. I actually jumped in the river, and it was quite refreshing! I highly recommend spending time exploring Glacier National Park with Glacier Guides and Montana Raft. They are very professional and make the ride more fun.

— P.J. Wubbena

If you’re looking to try white water rafting in glacier (which you should!) Glacier Guides is the place to go! My husband and I were on our honeymoon and this was our first rafting experience, and it could not have been better! James was prepared with experience, knowledge and jokes. We felt very safe with James in charge. He also offered numerous places and hikes in the park for all experience levels. Highly recommend!

— Rebecca Herchenroether

I highly recommend booking with Glacier Guides. We booked white water rafting for 3 guys and had a blast. We felt like the guides did a really great job of demonstrating their expertise on the water and sharing history about the local area. Joe in particular was a great dude. If you’re in town, these guys are the best!

— David Williamson

Holy cow this place is awesome! Right from the start, everyone was so nice and friendly and fun! Our family headed down the river for the scenic float with our three littles (9, 7 & 3) and my FIL and MIL (who cannot swim and is terrified of water!). We had the best time and our guide Nicolette was super knowledgeable about the river and the area. After the float we stayed for dinner and, let me just tell you, it blew my expectations out of the water! I was expecting to get our main course with a couple sides but they had that PLUS crazy yummy appetizers AND dessert too! I cannot recommend Montana Raft enough! If you have time, do the dinner option. You will not be disappointed!!

— Jacki Kelly

5 Fun Rafting Trips at Glacier National Park

Put on your lifejacket and grab a paddle for some of the best white water adventures in Montana. Here are five of the best rafting trips available in Glacier National Park today.

(Photo: Viator.com)

Revered for its lofty mountain ranges and vast expanses of Alpine wilderness, what makes Glacier National Park, in the US state of Montana, so ideal for white water rafting is the variety of rafting available, from thrilling rides to gentle floats along the creek. These fun excursions ensure you will get wet, you will feel the thrill of the churning water, and that you will be able to do this in the safest way possible. All of the following Glacier National Park rafting tours depart from West Glacier, the main town in the area.

Half-Day White Water Rafting in Glacier National Park

One of the great things about this tour is the combination of gentle paddling and challenging class II-III rapids that offer a balanced rafting experience. And balanced is the operative word here, thanks to the initial phase of this three-hour adventure tour, where even if you’re a white water novice, you’ll have the chance to learn how to paddle effectively. That’s because the first four miles of water are relatively calm. You can start to gel with your fellow rafters and even take a minute to appreciate the stunning scenery of Glacier National Park. From $73 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Scenic Raft Tour Through Glacier National Park

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

To some people, the thought of hurtling over the rapids, seemingly defying physics and the threat of a watery end is anything other than fun. Others would simply prefer to amble along the river in order to better appreciate the natural beauty surrounding it. For those people, this scenic raft tour is the ideal solution. It’s an excellent chance to see another side of Glacier National Park, and to learn more about this remarkable wilderness from your guide while paddling along. Keep an eye out for moose and eagles, too. From $75 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Half Day White Water Rafting Trip

If you’re seeking the thrill and fun of white water stretches of river, this three-hour rafting trip takes on no fewer than nine named sets of rapids. Navigate Class II and III rapids, called things like Bonecrusher, over a stretch of eight miles. Your guide will brief you on the important commands that will help you negotiate them safely. Like all rafting tours in Glacier National Park, this is a seasonal activity, mostly available from May to September. This tour runs once a day in the mornings. From $75 per person.

Glacier National Park Scenic Float Trip

Middle Fork of the Flathead River runs near West Glacier. This peaceful stretch of water is ideal for anybody seeking a relaxing rafting trip through canyons, and past stunning natural vistas. Lasting anywhere between 90 minutes and two hours (depending on the water levels), you’ll be able to explore the river, while looking out for wildlife, including deer, osprey, and if you’re lucky, even a bear or two. As with all tours on this list, lifejackets, helmets, transportation to and from the river, and your guide are included in the fee. From $93 per person.

Full-Day White Water Rafting Trip

For some people, getting soaking wet for a few hours is just not enough to deplete the stores of adrenaline. Luckily there’s a five-to-six-hour white water rafting tour available in Glacier National Park, too. Discover miles of river, passing Class II and III rapids like Jaws, Bonecrusher and Tunnel in the John Stevens Canyon. While this may sound like an exhausting ride, you’ll also stop midway along the route for a barbecue lunch (veggie options included), and get the chance to learn more about the park’s amazing flora and fauna. From $145 per person.

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For inquiries or to book by phone, call

1.406.888.5454

• Half-Day Whitewater
• Half-Day Scenic Float
• Full-Day Whitewater With Riverside Lunch
• Half-Day Whitewater with Riverside Dinner
• Half-Day Sport Raft
• Half-Day Inflatable Kayak
• Adventure Park & Paddle
• Putt & Paddle
• Self-Guided Trips
• North Fork Rafting
• Middle Fork Rafting
• What to Wear
• Raft Trip Photos
• Rafting Trips
• Multi-Day Trips

Looking to Raft Along Glacier National Park on Your Own?

Are you more of a do-it-yourself explorer? Prefer to paddle your own raft (or kayak)? Self-guided may be just what you are looking for.

Our self-guided trips depart at 9:30 a.m. daily during the summer and fall months. These trips are perfect for groups looking to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Glacier National Park at their own pace. Self-guided trips float 11 miles on the scenic section of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, allowing rafters of all experience levels to go it alone.

Guests are asked to show up at Paddle Ridge 30 minutes prior to their trip departure. You’ll follow one of our team members to the take-out in your vehicle. Once parked, we'll shuttle you back to the put-in at  West Glacier .

For inquiries or to book by phone: 1.406.888.5454

Gear Up and Enjoy!

After gearing up, paddling instruction, a safety talk and observing your ability to handle the raft, we send you off to start your adventure on the river. Stop and have lunch, take a swim or do a little fishing. You’re on river time now.

Once you arrive at the take-out (between 3-5 hours of floating), pull your boat up on the beach and call to let us know you have returned. Our staff will handle the transport of the boat back to Paddle Ridge. It’s that easy! 

Preparing for your Self-Guided Trip

The trip begins at Paddle Ridge. Check in is at 9 a.m. with a 9:30 departure (please be on time — this trip only leaves once per day). From there, you’ll follow one of our team members to the take-out in your vehicle. Once parked, you’ll shuttle back to the put-in at West Glacier .

The next 3–5 hours are yours to enjoy on the beautiful Middle Fork of the Flathead River along Glacier National Park. We ask that you arrive no later than 4 p.m. at the take-out, where you’ll leave your boats and equipment for our team to retrieve. It’s that simple! 

All self-guided trips are water and weather dependent. If conditions are unsafe, we will contact you prior to your trip.

Call an expert today at 1.844.868.7474 . Alternatively, fill out the form below and a member of our team will respond within 24 hours (weekdays) and 48 hours (weekends).

1.844.868.7474 | CONTACT US

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You'll Have The Most Montana Day Ever When You Enjoy A Scenic Float At Glacier National Park

Jessica Wick

Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.

More by this Author

When you think of Montana’s most iconic places, it’s impossible not to think of Glacier National Park. We’re incredibly lucky to have such an otherworldly place right here in our own backyard… and if you have yet to explore it as a Montanan, it’s practically criminal.

For an easy, fun, and totally family-friendly adventure, book a scenic boat trip through Glacier Guides this summer. Not only is it a fun and harmless way to see more of Glacier, but it’s also a nice, easy experience.

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Have you ever considered trying anything like this? You can book all sorts of fun adventures through Glacier Guides and Montana Raft .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Glacier National Park   Travel Guide

19 Epic Things to Do in Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is known for its rich history, grandeur, wildlife and scenic drives and hikes. Offering endless opportunities for a variety of half-day or multiday adventures, it's a worthwhile destination for visitors of all ages and

• All Things To Do

Going-to-the-Sun Road Going-to-the-Sun Road free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Grab your coffee to go and drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road at dawn. It's magical to witness the majestic alpenglow on Glacier National Park's mountain peaks as the sun rises. It's also your best chance to see wildlife before the road becomes too busy. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a paved, two-lane highway that snakes through Glacier National Park, dividing the park into east and west regions and crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass . One of the most spectacular scenic drives in America, this road is both a National Historic Landmark and a Civil Engineering Landmark and passes by almost every type of terrain the park offers, from glacial lakes, waterfalls and cedar forests to alpine peaks.

Trail of the Cedars Trail of the Cedars free

One of two wheelchair and stroller accessible trails in the park, Trail of the Cedars is a short loop hike – approximately 1 mile – that begins and ends on Going-to-the-Sun Road , meaning you can hike it in either direction. The hike features a raised boardwalk that passes through a fragrant, old-growth red cedar forest, but the highlight is at the midway point. Here, you'll reach a footbridge over Avalanche Creek with beautiful views of the gorge and a stunning waterfall. The only downside? Since this easy hike is accessible to visitors of all skill levels, parking is often difficult to find during peak season (July to Labor Day).

Many recent visitors touted this trail as the best walk in the park, saying it's not only an easy, accessible path, but also offers breathtaking views of the Avalanche gorge. Many recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowded parking lots, noting that the picnic grounds near McDonald Creek are a great place to break for lunch or dinner. Travelers also commented on the lovely cedar fragrance in this old-growth forest. Access to the trail is free with park admission.

Glacier Park Red Bus Tours Glacier Park Red Bus Tours

Driving around Glacier is a spectacular way to see the sights – particularly along Going-to-the-Sun Road – but drivers may sometimes miss out when they're behind the wheel. Let someone else do the driving by taking a famed Red Bus Tour. These buses – chauffeured by drivers known as "Jammers" – date back to the 1930s, and feature canvas rollback tops that offer unencumbered views of the surrounding landscape. Plus, each bus accommodates just 16 passengers.

There are nine tour routes in total. Tours depart from Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, St. Mary Lodge and Rising Sun Motor Inn on the east side. On the west side, you can catch the tour at Lake McDonald Lodge, Apgar Visitor Center and the West Glacier KOA. Additional departure points may be available for select tours. Depending on which route you take, you could explore popular sights like Lake McDonald Lodge, Logan Pass , St. Mary Valley and Two Medicine . You may also get to see the alpine areas of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Tours run during the peak season – typically from June through September or October – but exact dates will vary depending on the weather. Duration also varies by tour: They can last from about 2.5 hours to eight hours or more.

Popular Tours

Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure

(293 reviews)

from $ 87.48

Glacier National Park Scenic Float

(103 reviews)

Half Day Scenic Float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River

(467 reviews)

from $ 81.00

Explore the St. Mary area Explore the St. Mary area free

St. Mary is best known as the eastern entrance to Glacier National Park. At its visitor center, you'll find interactive exhibits and trip planning information. You'll also find an auditorium that hosts some of the park's Native America Speaks programs as well as astronomy programs, a film about the park and museum exhibits about GNP and local Native American tribes.

The St. Mary area, much like the rest of Glacier, offers plenty of outdoor activities. You'll be able to access Going-to-the-Sun Road if you fancy a drive, or you can hike the Beaver Pond Loop or Red Eagle Lake trails, both of which depart from the 1913 Ranger Station (just south of the visitor center). If you want to get on the water, take a boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company on St. Mary Lake.

Lake McDonald Lake McDonald free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Enjoy lunch or a pint at Lucke's Lounge inside Lake McDonald Lodge while you wait for your Glacier Park Boat or Red Bus tour to begin. The small and cozy lounge has incredible views of the lake and a menu to match. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park, is the major hub of activity on the west side. Carved out by massive glaciers thousands of years ago, the valley is home to the rustic Lake McDonald Lodge – one of the park's most popular accommodations. The area offers an array of activities, including bus tours, boat tours, horseback riding, ranger presentations and access to two of the park's popular day hikes, Avalanche Lake Trail and Trail of the Cedars . Apgar Village , where visitors can shop, eat, enjoy a huckleberry ice cream cone and rent paddleboards, also sits on the picturesque shores of Lake McDonald.

Glacier Park Boat Company Glacier Park Boat Company

U.S. News Insider Tip: If a boat tour is booked up, don't give up hope! Show up ahead of time to add your name to the tour's waitlist. There are sometimes a few no-shows, so there's a chance you'll score a seat. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

This historic family-owned boat company dates back to 1938, when it became the first tour operator in the park. Its handcrafted wooden boats take visitors on narrated tours of Lake McDonald , St. Mary's Lake at Rising Sun , Two Medicine and Many Glacier .

Many Glacier Many Glacier free

Many Glacier, also known as the "Switzerland of America," is on the northeastern side of Glacier National Park and known for its breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife and glacier-fed lakes. The historic Swiss-style Many Glacier Hotel serves as a launch pad for a variety of hikes, boat tours and water activities. There is also a restaurant, snack shop, gift shop and campground on-site.

Recent guests rave about the historic and charming nature of the lodge though they warn it does not have air conditioning. While exploring Many Glacier, many reported seeing deer moose, and grizzly bears in addition to the spectacular scenery. Visitors enjoyed learning about the area by taking a boat tour across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to save time and distance on their hike to see some of the park's existing glaciers.

Avalanche Lake Trail Avalanche Lake Trail

Northeast of Lake McDonald , Avalanche Lake is a popular hike for Glacier National Park visitors. At the start of the hike, you'll cross over Avalanche Gorge before taking a moderate uphill trail through the forest. The end of the trail rewards you with spectacular views from the beaches of Avalanche Lake. Steep cliffs and numerous waterfalls surround the water.

Previous hikers highly recommend the trail, saying the lake is a beautiful reward for completing the hike. They also appreciated hearing and seeing rushing water at different sections of the trail. Others noted the hike is easy to moderate; some even brought their kids along. Just know that the trail has rocks and tree roots crossing it, which present tripping hazards.

Half Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

(1405 reviews)

Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!

(82 reviews)

from $ 152.00

West Glacier & Polebridge Scenic Driving Tour

(83 reviews)

from $ 449.00

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail Hidden Lake Overlook Trail free

Given this trail's incredible beauty, it's little wonder why it's one of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park. The hike to Hidden Lake Overlook is 1.4 miles with the option to continue another 1.2 miles down to Hidden Lake for those who don't mind the steeper descent. From the overlook, you'll be able to see mountains and valleys as well as Sperry Glacier (though the park service notes you'll need binoculars to see it well). Keep in mind that the first half of the trail gains 450 to 600 feet of elevation with a boardwalk and stairs, while the second half descends 780 feet to the lake. These distances, elevation gains and descents are one-way, which means you'll be hiking them in reverse on the way back.

Past hikers recommend the trail, but noted that it can be strenuous given it is all uphill to the overlook. Others warn that you will want to wear sturdy shoes, bring bear spray and tote plenty of water, particularly if you hike down to the lake. Visitors added that an early morning hike (before 7 a.m.) will net you fewer crowds and a better chance at snagging a parking spot at Logan Pass .

Logan Pass Logan Pass free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Snagging a parking spot at Logan Pass could be a challenge, so arrive early to beat the crowd. Enjoying the sunrise from Going-to-the-Sun Road and having more space to pull over for pictures are nice bonuses. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

Logan Pass is a favorite among park visitors and with good reason. It's the highest elevation reachable by car (at 6,646 feet) in the park, plus it's near the trailheads for both the Highline Trail and the Hidden Lake Trail . You'll also feast your eyes on some of the park's most incredible scenery from lakes and waterfalls to wildflower fields. The visitor center at Logan Pass offers maps and trip-planning information, as well as informative exhibits, restrooms, water fountains, a bookstore, gift shop, ranger-led guided hikes and parking.

Iceberg Lake Trail Iceberg Lake Trail free

Hikers who tackle the Iceberg Lake Trail are treated to stunning views of Mount Wilbur, Iceberg Peak and the Continental Divide upon reaching the emerald lake. In the spring and summer, adventurers will see gorgeous alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.

According to recent visitors, the trail is well-suited for avid hikers. The trail is mostly uphill and nearly 10 miles round trip, meaning it could be difficult for unfit visitors. Travelers said that late spring and early summer were the best times to see the floating icebergs on the lake, and cautioned that even in the summer, it can be cold or rainy. Many also enjoyed spotting wildlife along the way.

Grinnell Glacier Grinnell Glacier free

Named for anthropologist and conservationist George Bird Grinnell, Grinnell Glacier is one of the most-photographed attractions in the park. The Grinnell Glacier hike is a little more than 10 miles round trip and, at the viewpoint, reaches 1,600 feet in altitude. Early morning boat shuttles from Many Glacier Lodge cross Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. These boats are popular with hikers as the rides can shave a few miles off the hike. Reserve a round-trip ticket in advance ($39.45 for adults; $19.70 for children ages 4-12). One-way return-only tickets are available on a space-available basis and can be purchased from the boat captain.

Most recent visitors called this daylong hike a "must-do" and loved the variety of wildlife, from bighorn sheep and mountain goats to marmots and bears. However, reviewers also warned that it's best for physically and aerobically fit individuals due to the altitude and difficult descent. Many travelers recommended starting the hike early in the day, bringing bear spray, warm clothing, food and drinks, and wearing sturdy hiking shoes. Additionally, try to time your trip for a cloudless day, as some reviewers said the views were less spectacular with overcast skies.

Highline Trail Highline Trail free

One of the most popular hiking trails in the park – and one of the most exhilarating – the Highline Trail follows the Continental Divide and features stunning scenery of glacial valleys, alpine meadows and a famous ledge called the Garden Wall – an alpine section of the park with stunning formations. Early on in the hike, the trail narrows to just a few feet and the drop-offs are known to terrify those with a fear of heights. The park service installed a hand cable along this stretch of the ridge for safety. Because the trail is fairly long (nearly 16 miles round trip to Granite Park Chalet or 11.8 miles one-way to the loop), it's not considered suitable for novice hikers. Those who wish to see the Garden Wall can do so on the Garden Wall trail, which branches off of the Highline Trail near Granite Park Chalet.

Travelers recommend getting to Logan Pass (where the trailhead is located) early to secure a parking spot. When you finish the hike at "The Loop," which is named after a notable switchback turn on Going-to-the-Sun Road, you can take the free shuttle back to Logan Pass to retrieve your vehicle. Many recommended hiking from Logan Pass to Haystack Pass or Granite Park Chalet and back, noting that the lower part of the trail is difficult and lacks the spectacular scenery of other sections of the trail. Most visitors reported seeing a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, goats and bears.

East Glacier & Two Medicine Scenic Driving Tour

(38 reviews)

from $ 600.00

Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch

(242 reviews)

from $ 156.60

Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner

(48 reviews)

from $ 113.40

Two Medicine Two Medicine free

Two Medicine is a perfect area to cross items off your Glacier to-do list. On the hunt for a history lesson? The Two Medicine Chalet (which is now a store and snack bar) is housed in an old log building where President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a radio address in 1934. Interested in a boat tour? Glacier Park Boat Company will take you around Two Medicine Lake for a 45-minute trip. Up for a hike? There are 14 trails in the area, ranging from the short Running Eagle Falls (just shy of a mile round-trip) to the challenging Pitamakan Pass (about 15 miles round-trip). Hoping to spend the night beneath the stars? You'll find one front country campground here, as well as several backcountry sites along the trails.

Previous travelers were pleasantly surprised by a trip to Two Medicine. Many commented that the area – particularly the lake – lacked the crowds seen at other areas of the park. If you're hoping to do some wildlife spotting, you're in luck: both daytime visitors and campers were wowed by the number of animals they saw, including mountain goats and moose.

Apgar Nature Center Apgar Nature Center free

Occupying a small cabin built in 1929, the Apgar Nature Center sits in a grove of cedar trees in Apgar Village. The nature center features interactive activities for kids: children can feel a grizzly bear's fur, listen and identify birds by their "songs" or create their own puppet show. Educational displays detail plants found in the park and teach about the habitats of the vast array of wildlife. Ranger-led talks and other programs are held just outside the cabin.

Recent travelers raved about the nature center specifically calling out the ranger-led talks that were informative and done by enthusiastic, young park rangers. The center is free to access and open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from mid-June to late August. For more information on the center and ranger-led activities, visit the NPS website .

Apgar Village Apgar Village free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Apgar picnic area is a great place to launch your kayaks, canoes and paddleboards if Apgar Village feels a little too crowded. It's located a short distance east of Apgar Village but before you reach the campground. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

Nestled on the southern shores of Lake McDonald, Apgar Village is a rustic and charming stop for visitors exploring Glacier National Park. Those looking to find the perfect keepsake to commemorate their time in the park will have a variety of gift shops to explore. There's also a restaurant, lodging, a visitor's center and horseback riding. For visitors excited to take in the largest lake in the park, there are kayaks and paddleboards available to rent. And finally, if you haven't had a taste of huckleberry ice cream yet, this is a popular place to snag a scoop.

Bowman Lake Bowman Lake free

Bowman Lake, known for its breathtaking vistas and dense surrounding forests, is often a more tranquil experience than similar lakes in Glacier National Park due to its remote location, which is about a two-hour drive from the West Entrance of the park. A 48-site campground sits walking distance to the lake where visitors can swim or launch their own kayaks, canoes or paddleboards. There are also a variety of hiking trails for those who want to experience the lake from a different perspective.

Guests enjoyed the secluded nature of Bowman Lake and agreed that it's worth the drive. Many suggest stopping at Polebridge Mercantile on the way to pick up a picnic lunch and a huckleberry bear claw.  

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make a stop at the Prince of Wales Hotel to sip afternoon tea in its Royal Steward Dining Room and take in the spectacular views of Waterton Lake. The scenery from this historic hotel on a hill can't be beat. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

In 1932, Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, and Glacier National Park partnered to create the world's first International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both parks are biosphere reserves, featuring spectacular scenery and a wide variety of plant and animal species. Although the park has minimal facilities, nearby Waterton Village is a charming small town filled with restaurants, hotels and gift shops. Travelers can also rent bikes and book boat tours in the village.

Nature Walk in Glacier National Park

(10 reviews)

from $ 65.00

Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park

(6 reviews)

from $ 220.00

25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

(5 reviews)

from $ 84.99

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Choosing an Entrance Pass

Do you have or qualify for a discounted america the beautiful pass.

If you already have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that's the only entrance pass you need. Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass.

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If you don't qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful pass, we recommend choosing an entrance pass based on your trip plans.

Entrance Passes

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Standard Entrance Pass

$20.00–$35.00

Private Vehicle $35.00

Per person $20.00, motorcycle $30.00, for organizations & businesses, commercial sedan (1-6 seats) $25.00, commercial van (7-15 seats) $75.00, commercial mini-bus (16-25 seats) $100.00, commercial motor coach (26+ seats) $200.00, annual entrance - park, america the beautiful—the national parks and federal recreational lands pass.

Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by

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Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers One private vehicle fee or Four per person fees

America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen . Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.

How to Get an America the Beautiful Pass

In person (recommended).

Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.

Purchase and pickup locations

Order Online, Receive by Mail

To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store or by phone: 1-888-275-8747 , extension 1. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time.

2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

• Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
• Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
• Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
• Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Academic Fee/Entrance Fee Waivers

Academic fee/entrance fee waiver application guidelines, academic fee waiver qualification standards.

Eligibility: Proof of school or academic institution standing–submit one of the following types of documentation:

A statement confirming educational or scientific tax exemption from the IRS or the applicant’s national, state, or local tax authority; or

A statement, from a  bona fide  academic institution meeting one of these eligibility standards, confirming that the group is visiting for the purpose of providing transferable academic credit based on a curriculum; or

A statement of accreditation or recognition as an educational institution from a legitimate international, national, regional, state, or local authority for the applicant’s location.

Educational Purpose of the Visit:

• Applicants must provide a written statement (documentation) verifying that the visit supports a specific curriculum for which academic credit is offered. Documentation such as the course syllabus or a copy of the school’s course catalog or handbook will satisfy this requirement.

Relevance of Park Resources or Facilities:

• To simply state the trip objectives are for “educational purposes” is insufficient. There must be a direct relationship between the purpose of the visit and the use of the park. Applicants must provide a written statement identifying the park resources and/or facilities that will be used to support the educational purpose of the visit, and how they are relevant to that purpose. A course outline, lesson plan, or copy of the course curriculum meets this requirement.

Entrance Fee Waiver Qualification Standards

Eligibility:

• Groups of children under 16 years of age with a reasonable number of chaperones, drivers, and teachers will be admitted free.

Hospital in-patients involved in medical treatment or therapy will be admitted free.

Submission of Applications:

All applications for fee waivers must be received by the Fee Management, Special Park Uses Office at least three weeks in advance of the anticipated visit.

Applicants that are incomplete (no documents provided) or do not meet required criteria may be denied.

Please email applications and all required documentation to: Email:  e-mail us Additional Information:

• Entrance station personnel are not authorized to grant fee waivers at time of arrival. Documented non-profit groups without an approved fee waiver will be charged as non-commercial groups rate based upon the National Park Service Non-Commercial Group Fee Schedule.
• Service, civic, and fraternal organizations e.g. Scouting, Rotary, Elks, etc. do NOT qualify for an Academic/Entrance Fee Waiver, unless they meet the qualification standards listed above.
• Pursuant to the FLREA, academic fee waivers are granted only for entrance fees and do not apply to Expanded Amenity or camping fees. Group camping reservations may be made for St. Mary and Apgar Campgrounds at  www.recreation.gov,  all other campgrounds that provide group camping operate on a first come first served basis.
• Vehicles, and vehicle combinations, longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors), are prohibited between Avalanche Campground on the west side of the park and the Sun Point parking area on the east side. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass, due to rock over-hangs.
• Camping fees vary with the seasons and the campground. There are special rates for Hiker/Biker campsites .
• Ranger-guided activities are FREE of charge, with the exception of ranger-guided hikes that include a boat trip and some of the Native America Speaks programs.
• Explore the Guided Trips section to find rates associated with activities offered by park concessions.
• Glacier has a free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle, but there are other fee-based ways to travel the park. Check out the Shuttles & Tours section on the Getting Around page.

Last updated: May 28, 2024

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The 10 Best National Parks in Canada

Spectacular mountains and deep fjords, powder-blue lakes and sea stacks: here’s your bucket list of national parks to visit up north

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia …. We spend a lot of time salivating over the national parks in the U.S., but there’s a brilliant system of goodies just across the border in Canada. Try Banff. But how many can you even name?

Our neighbors to the north have 37 national parks and 10 national-park reserves. The latter are managed in cooperation with Indigenous peoples.

As Outside ‘s national parks columnist, I decided that it was high time to single out the best national parks in Canada. For starters, the scenery is mind-blowingly beautiful.

The goal of Canada’s extensive park system is just like ours: to protect lands that represent different ecosystems. There are a couple noticeable differences in how those landscapes are managed, though. For one, Parks Canada has embraced mountain biking and is actively developing purpose-built singletrack in many parks; mountain biking is not allowed on the trails in the majority of U.S. national parks. Also, thriving towns are located within many of the park borders, rather than nearby or adjacent as gateways.

Below, you’ll find nine of the most outstanding national parks in Canada that I can’t wait to visit. (All fees and prices are in U.S. dollars.)

1. Banff National Park

Alberta, canada, entrance fee: $7.50.

Canada’s first national park (established in 1885), Banff is a 4,126-square-mile swath of the Canadian Rockies 80 miles west of Calgary, Alberta , that includes limestone peaks, glaciers, and icy lakes. A lot of icy lakes, which formed as glaciers retreated, leaving powder-blue pools in their wake.

Banff is the most popular of Canada’s national parks, with more than 4 million visitors each year. The park has an array of resort-like amenities, with the bustling towns of Lake Louise and Banff located within its boundaries, and quaint tea houses on popular backcountry hikes. But there’s also much pristine wilderness, as 96 percent of the park is totally undeveloped.

The 8.6-mile Plain of Six Glaciers hike offers a great introduction to the landscape, tracing the edge of Lake Louise before climbing to Lake Agnes, where you can grab some tea and cookies at the Lake Agnes Tea House before finishing the loop. You’ll revel in views of the rocky 11,365-foot Mount Victoria, which looks about as wide as it does tall, and the Victoria Glacier, which feeds Lake Louise.

The turquoise water of Moraine Lake is surrounded by almost a dozen peaks, creating a focal point for some of the best views in all of Banff, especially from the hull of a boat. Moraine Lake Lodge rents canoes from its docks ($102 per canoe for an hour). You can’t drive your own car to the lake, so take a Parks Canada Shuttle .

Where to Stay in Banff

You have your pick of scenic and historic lodges, but for a treat check out Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel , dubbed a “castle in the Rockies,” with high-end digs on the edge of the town of Banff (from $595 a night).

Campers should head to Waterfowl Lakes Campground , with 116 sites and amenities like sheltered camp kitchens with wood-burning stoves. It’s first-come, first-served ($18 a night).

2. Jasper National Park

Entrance fee: $8.

Jasper National Park shares a border with Banff, with the 144-mile Icefields Parkway running between the two landscapes. Jasper is the larger of the two, spanning 6,835 square miles of prime Canadian Rockies real estate in the middle of nowhere. This means you have to really want to visit Jasper, which is a four-hour drive west from Alberta’s capital city of Edmonton, or a five-hour drive northwest from Calgary. The trip is well worth it, as the park is loaded with towering cliffs, high peaks, deep canyons, and waterfalls fed by glaciers. The town of Jasper is the hub of activity and perfect basecamp, as roads and trails extend from there into the mountains.

Towards the southern border of the park, the Columbia Icefield covers more than 186 square miles along the Continental Divide. The Athabasca Glacier flows down from this massive icefield, giving day hikers a chance to explore the actively changing landscape. You can hike the 2.4-mile out-and-back Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail to the edge of the ice, but to truly explore the area you can sign up for a guided tour. Rockaboo leads a guided 4.5-hour hike on the Athabasca Glacier with a sustainability focus ($128 per person).

Jasper is loaded with scenic treks, but the Sulphur Skyline Trail begins and ends at a hot-springs resort. The five-mile out-and-back hike climbs to the summit of Sulphur Ridge, ascending through a spruce fir forest via a series of switchbacks until you crest above the tree line to panoramic views that include the Fiddle River Valley below and Utopia Mountain in the distance. Retrace your steps to soak in Miette Hot Springs , a developed series of pools with temps that reach 104 degrees ($13 per person).

Where to Stay Near Jaspers National Park

Whistlers is the closest campground to the town of Jasper, making it an easy base of operations. It’s large, with 781 sites, and recently renovated with improved sites and brand-new bathroom and shower facilities. You can make reservations starting in January of each year (from $22 U.S. per night).

3. Gros Morne National Park

Newfoundland.

You want fjords? Gros Morne National Park has fjords. On the western edge of the island of Newfoundland, Gros Morne is a blissful mix of soaring fjord walls, towering mountains, and the bizarre Tablelands, where the earth’s mantle is exposed in an expanse of orange rock, the remnant of a tectonic plate shift that pushed the earth’s crust upward. The 1,121-square-mile park rises from the freshwater Gulf of St. Lawrence and is split by Bonne Bay into two sections, northern and southern, with a ferry running between. Rocky Harbour is home to the visitors’ center and launching spot for most adventures.

Western Brook Pond, a landlocked freshwater fjord with 2,000-foot walls and the occasional waterfall, should be the first stop. Hiking the 9.1-mile Green Garden loop, which passes through meadows along the coastal headland, is also a must. Drop down to the shore at Old Man Cove, where the beach is flanked by cliffs and waterfalls, and a sea cave is tucked into the rock walls.

Where to Stay Near Gros Morne National Park

Trout River Campground has 38 sites in an evergreen forest, with views of the Tablelands in the south side of the park ($21 per night, advance reservations). The campground has quick access to Trout River Pond, a fjord lake (a body of water separated from the Gulf of St. Lawrence) banked by steep cliffs on one side and a forested plateau on the other.

4. Kluane National Park and Reserve

Entrance fee: free.

In the southwest corner of the Yukon Territory, the 8,499-square-mile Kluane is a peak-bagger’s dream, encompassing 17 of Canada’s 20 highest mountains, including the country’s tallest, the 19,551-foot Mount Logan. Here, too, are the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, forming glaciers that fill the valleys, turning into rivers as they flow east, feeding lakes and sustaining habitat where caribou, wolves, bears, and mountain goats roam on the eastern edge of the park. The Haynes Highway and Alaska Highway traverse the eastern boundary, providing access to the visitors’ center, front-country trailheads, and campgrounds.

Hike the six-mile out-and-back King’s Throne Trail , which follows the edge of Kathleen Lake before climbing up on switchbacks to the saddle of a cirque overlooking the lake.

Where to Stay Near Kluane National Park and Reserve

Campers should head to Kathleen Lake Campground , which has 38 sites within walking distance of the lake of the same name. Campground availability is a mix of first-come, first-served sites and others you can reserve in advance ($20 per night).

5. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

British columbia.

Covering 126,500 acres of the west coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is really three parks in one, with distinct units. The Long Beach Unit is accessible by car and is loaded with sandy beaches and surfing, while the Broken Group Islands Unit encompasses more than 100 islands within the Barkley Sound, only reachable by boat.

The third unit, the West Coast Trail, features the 47-mile footpath of the same name. Most visitors stick to the Long Beach Unit, but wherever you end up, you can expect dense rainforest full of Sitka spruce and hemlock and mountains rising to the east, while the tumultuous Pacific dominates the west. Bring a rain jacket; summers are warm but wet.

In the Long Beach Unit, hike the 1.1-mile Nuu-Chah-Nulth Trail to sample this section’s terrain, as the path moves through dense forest to cliffs to a sandy beach. The surf is gentle in the summer, well-suited for beginner and intermediate surfers. The beach at Incinerator Rock has been a surf destination since the ‘60s and has the most beginner-friendly waves in the park. Wick’d Surf runs lessons and rentals out of the town of Ucluelet (group lessons from $95 a person, rentals from $33 a day).

Where to Stay Near Pacific Rim National Park and Reserve

Snag a spot at the park’s only front-country campground, Green Point , which has a mix of drive-in and walk-in sites among the spruce (from $22 a night).

6. Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Nova scotia.

The mountains tumble straight down to the sea in Cape Breton Highlands, on the northern tip of Nova Scotia. The park covers an elevated plateau full of forested river canyons and isolated beaches, stretching between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the west. Inside Cape Breton Highlands you’ll find a particularly scenic portion of the 186-mile Cabot Trail, a paved two-lane road circumnavigating the park on its way around Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, offering a variety of overlooks with views of the rocky cliffs of La Bloc and the Fishing Cove, an inlet at the base of MacKenzie Mountain.

Make time to hike Skyline Trail , a 5.1-mile loop along a headland cliff that ends at an overlook above the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where you can occasionally spot whales. The 4.6-mile Franey loop is a slightly shorter but tougher outing, climbing more than 1,000 feet to views of a forested canyon and the Atlantic coastline. Watch out for moose on this trail; they cause more injuries in Canadian national parks than bears. Keep your distance (for long-range photo advice, see this Outside guide ).

Where to Stay in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

There are eight campgrounds inside the park, but Corney Brook Campground will put you within walking distance of a beach where you can swim. The campground is small, with just 22 sites (from $14.50 per night).

7. Riding Mountain National Park

Entrance fee: $7.

Manitoba is like Canada’s version of our Midwest, full of rolling plains and farmland. It’s a more subtle type of beauty—no massive cliffs or towering peaks—but there is elegance in those shimmering plains. Riding Mountain National Park encapsulates the best of that landscape, with 1,864 square miles of grasslands, lakes, wetlands, and forests choked with spruce, birch, and poplar. The fertile fields and oasis-like lakes attract an astounding array of wildlife. Parks Canada estimates there are roughly 1,000 black bears and three times as many moose; there are also cougars, lynx, and wolves.

Clear Lake is the epicenter of action, with the resort-like town of Wasagaming dominating the southern shore. Most visitors start and stop right there. But more than 1,900 lakes and 250 miles of hiking trails are spread throughout the park. For a quick jaunt, cruise through the one-mile Ominik Marsh Trail, a floating boardwalk through wetlands with a healthy population of beavers. For the big picture, hike Reeve’s Ravine Trail , a 6.9-mile out-and-back including a .4-mile side hike up to the top of Bald Hill, a knob of loose, tan rock with the best view in the park, overlooking the hardwood spruce mixed forest at your feet and plains rolling to the horizon.

Want to see some wildlife? You have a good chance of seeing bear and moose all over the park, but for bison, head to Lake Audy, where a 40-strong herd lives in a 500-hectare enclosure. They’re descendants of a group that was introduced to the park from Elk Island National Park in the 1940s. The Lake Audy area, where the herd of bison live, has been closed since October 2023 because of roadwork, but according to Parks Canada , that closure should be lifted this month.

Where to Stay in Riding Mountain National Park

Pitch a tent at Whirlpool Lake Campground , where 14 walk-in tent sites have views of Whirlpool Lake (from $13 per night, reserve in advance), a grassy-edged body of water tucked into a spruce forest that’s a known hot spot for wildlife.

8. Auyuittuq National Park

Entrance fee: $12.

What sort of terrain will you find inside Auyuittuq National Park ? Here’s a clue: The name is Inuktitut for “the land that never melts.” Auyuittuq is located on the southern end of Baffin Island, protecting a small slice of the Arctic Circle. It’s a frozen tundra throughout winter, but come July and August, the ice and snow melt, revealing a park full of towering granite peaks, glaciers, and river valleys, while the edges of the island are marked with deep fjords.

It’s not an easy park to access. There are no roads or even designated trails inside the park, but Canadian North provides scheduled flights from Montreal, Ottawa, and Yellowknife to the gateway town of Pangnirtung. From there, you can take a 45-minute boat ride to the park proper.

Pangnirtung will be your home base for exploration. The small outpost is home to the park visitor center, as well as local outfitters that offer trips into the park. Most people stick to the Akshayuk Pass area, a 60-mile corridor between mountains and glaciers, which takes up to two weeks to trek in full. There are no marked trails, but nine emergency shelters are spread a day apart each, and most people use landmarks like lakes and peaks to guide themselves through the area. The southern portion of the Akshayuk, from Overlord Peak to Summit Lake, is a popular five-day trek. Peter’s Expediting and Outfitting Services , in Pangnirtung, can help with shuttles, trip planning, or guiding.

If you show up in the spring before temperatures rise, you can also take a guided snowmobile excursion from Pangnirtung into the Arctic Circle proper.The full-day adventure has Parks Canada staff interpreting the landscape and Inuit culture for you ($225 per person, minimum four people).

Where to Say Near Auyuittuq National Park

The park has no developed campgrounds, but there are a couple of hotels in Pangnirtung. The Pangnirtung Fjordview Bed and Breakfast is small, with just three rooms and views of the fjord ($182 a night).

9. Bruce Peninsula National Park

Covering the northern tip of a strip of land that separates the Georgian Bay from greater Lake Huron, Bruce Peninsula National Park protects 96 square miles of the Niagara Escarpment. Here water meets rock, full of limestone cliffs, rocky beaches, caves, rivers, and some of the oldest trees in Canada: white cedar trees living atop the cliffs believed to be more than 1,300 years old.

Head to the Lake Huron side of the peninsula to explore Singing Sands Beach, where dunes flank a sandy shore ideal for swimming. The Grotto, a limestone cave that opens up to the turquoise water of the Georgian Bay, is the most popular destination in the park. Indian Head Cove, also on the Georgian Bay side of the park, has  access to cliffs and beach as well. From April 30 to October 31 you’ll need a parking reservation (parking is $15, with reservations an additional $11.50). The beach at Halfway Log Dump has a collection of boulders now managed as a designated bouldering area, where you can climb with the aqua-blue waters of Georgian Bay in the background.

Where to Stay Near Bruce Peninsula National Park  

Book a spot at Cyprus Lake Campground , and you can bypass the parking reservation system for the Grotto by hiking to it from your campsite. The campground has 232 sites with access to Cyprus Lake, which has multiple canoe launches. It’s a popular campground, so make reservations early ($48 a night).  

10. Fundy National Park

New brunswick.

Fundy National Park isn’t large—it covers just 50,900 acres on New Brunswick’s east coast—but it packs in a lot of highlights. At the heart of the park is the Bay of Fundy, famous for the greatest tidal-shift differential in the world, where you can walk the mudflats of the ocean floor during low tide, while that same spot will later fill with 50 feet of water during high tide.

At Hopewell Rocks Park, just outside the national park, a series of sea stacks on the ocean floor are exposed during low tide and then almost fully submerged again. The Bay of Fundy might earn top billing (it’s considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America), but there is much more to this park. Miles of rugged coast hem in a dense forest of spruce, fir, maples, and birch trees, not to mention 25 waterfalls, and bogs that hold carnivorous plants.

Experience the tidal shift first hand at Alma Beach , in the Bay of Fundy, where you can wade through the mud searching for crustaceans, but for another perspective on the park’s grandeur, hike the 12-mile out-and-back Coastal Trail , which traces the Fundy cliff line, traveling through spruce forest between many overlooks. The trail also drops down to Herring Cove, where you can explore a beach and sea caves.

Where to Stay Near Fundy National Park

Pitch your tent at Point Wolfe Campground , which has 155 sites you can reserve in advance (from $21 per night), and hike from there to the Point Wolfe Beach for a swim.

A note: Wildfires are a concern during the summer in Canada, as they are in the Western U.S. Stay updated on potential impacts to a park you’re hoping to visit and on any open-fire bans. None of the parks on this list are currently under serious threat.

Graham Averill is Outside magazine’s national-parks columnist. He’s been steadily ticking off parks in his home country, and is now expanding north.

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Glacier National Park plow crews grapple with deepest snow in more than a decade

Glacier National Park road crews clear snow along Going-to-the-Sun Road near Logan Pass on Thursday, May 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider

Jim Foster, Chief of Facilities Management at Glacier National Park, walks along the Going-to-the-Sun Road near Logan Pass during a tour of snow removal operations on Thursday, May 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider

A Glacier National Park shuttle bus approaches Logan Pass along Going-to-the-Sun Road during a media tour of the snow removal process on Thursday, May 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider

Snow along the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the way to Logan Pass in Glacier National Park on Thursday, May 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider

A member of the Glacier National Park road crew travels across the snow in an excavator to work on the Big Drift near Logan Pass on Thursday, May 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake) Casey Kreider

It’s feeling like spring in the valley, but at Logan Pass, Glacier National Park road crews are still in the thick of winter snowpack — the deepest seen in more than a decade, according to officials.

“There's still a lot of work to do up here,” Glacier National Park Roads Supervisor Brian Paul said as he looked over a buried Logan Pass Visitor Center and plows working their way through deep snowpack just beyond the parking lot exit on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s the deepest snow they’ve measured at the pass in the early spring since 2011, he said. 

Currently, west side plows are working on the Big Drift just past Logan Pass — a section of the road that gets up to 80 feet of snow accumulation in the wintertime. Paul said east side plow crews are just below the east side tunnel, and will soon join the west side crews on breaking down the Big Drift in about a week’s time.

Warmer spring conditions in lower elevations led to a quick start to plowing this season. Paul said his crew of four plowed up to the Loop before their seasonal staff arrived for the year, using one plow instead of the usual two. 

The work got more challenging once they began on the alpine section of the road. The avalanches this year have felt Sisyphean; crews hurry down the road as warm afternoon temperatures cause snow to start sliding. Paul said they usually have to clear avalanches to get home. 

“The last avalanches were on the 13th of May last year, and yesterday we had seven. We keep re-plowing or pre-plowing to follow-up in the morning, we’ll start working and then we'll have to plow ourselves out in the afternoon,” Paul said. 

They typically begin their drive up at 6 a.m. and try to come down around 2-2:30 p.m. But as tourists arrive for the season, it can be hard to know how long it will take to get through early morning traffic on the lower section of the Sun Road open to cars and cyclists, he said. 

“The further we go up, the longer the drive time to get up, so our workdays get slower the higher we get up here,” Paul said. “When the east side crew is here and everybody's working up here, things tend to speed up; and they have a shorter drive,” Paul said. 

Plowing the Big Drift isn’t possible by starting from the bottom, so crews dig from the top. Paul said they pick their way across the rock face with the excavator and dig their way down, removing snow from the rock wall above so it doesn’t come down on visitors at a later date. He said they do this, digging down, until they reach the pavement. 

Driving equipment that weighs thousands of pounds on top of snow is as harrowing as it sounds. Occasionally throughout the plowing of the road, water run-off from the side of the mountain can form “caverns” underneath the snow — this sometimes results in machines falling into large holes, occasionally big enough to ensnare an entire bulldozer. It’s not necessarily dangerous, park officials said, but is definitely enough to make your stomach drop. 

Paul said it’s hard to quantify which sections of the road are the hardest to plow, “it all can be hard,” he added. But the Big Drift and Rim Rock are two of the most challenging, he said.

Safety standards are in place, though, particularly for monitoring avalanches. Zachary Miller works for the U.S. Geological Survey as the lead forecaster for the Going-to-the-Sun Road’s spring snow and avalanche program. He said it’s been a pretty average year on the road in terms of avalanche hazards.

“We began the season at about 80% of average snowpack in the upper elevations, according to the Flattop Snotel Site, and generally had a relatively normal, if not warm April, that with low elevation snow allowed the crew to progress rapidly up the road and little avalanche hazard because of the relatively low snowfall amounts,” Miller said.

He said getting into May, the region received a variety of storms that increased avalanche hazard early in the month. This was followed by warming in between that also increased avalanche hazard, and then wrapping up the month with a continued cold and wet cycle that added more snow on top of an old solidified base, according to Miller. 

That’s causing some pretty regular avalanches along the road, but Miller said the actual hazard this year is very similar to most years as it ebbs and flows. He said officials are primarily concerned with new snow hazards in the short-term or during big melting periods where water percolates through the snowpack, releasing larger and deeper avalanches.

Glacier National Park Chief of Facilities Maintenance Jim Foster said even though valley residents saw warmer temperatures, it didn’t affect the snowpack at those elevations. And just because they got a quick start to plowing this year, it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t run into other obstacles along the way.

“This is why we don't predict when we're going to open up the Going-to-the-Sun Road. We absolutely would have gotten ourselves in a pickle back in April when everything was warm and we were up really high and everything was looking good. You can't predict the storms that you'll get, we've had cycles of storms, and our guys have plowed through those shoots five or six times,” Foster said. 

The Going-to-the-Sun Road opened fully for the season on June 13 in 2023, the earliest opening since 2005. In 2022, the road opened July 13. 

For more information about snow plowing operations along the Going-to-the-Sun road, visit www.nps.gov/glac/. 

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing [email protected]. 

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