Closings, evacuations, and travel advisories

Heavy flooding in Glacier National Park prompted officials to evacuate visitors and close areas around the park in late June. Now, the National Park Service (NPS) is asking the public to avoid specific areas of the park due to rising flood waters and the potential for rockslides.

On June 28, park officials closed Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park’s iconic 50-mile scenic highway that bisects the park, until further notice due to heavy rain and debris. In the northeastern part of the Montana park, officials have closed the entire Manny Glacier Valley area, including the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and the Manny Glacier Campground — which together can host hundreds of people on any given day.

“The park urges visitors to practice responsible travel during this weather event. Never cross flooded areas, and follow all posted closures. Visitors should check current conditions before arriving and remain flexible with plans as weather and access can change quickly,” the National Park Service wrote. statement.

Anthony Nelson, executive director of the park-partnership nonprofit Glacier Institutetold Outside Officials have not announced when the closure will be lifted, and the extent of damage caused by flooding is not known at this time.

“There’s a lot of water out there,” Nelson said. “It’s definitely disappointing when Sun Road stops going, and you’ve planned your entire trip around the drive.”

Heavy rainfall occurred in northern Montana on June 28, causing dozens of additional road closures. At the time this story was published, NPS had closed access to hikers and cyclists beyond any closed roads, and park staff ask visitors to avoid all closed points. Heavy rain on steep ground can cause rockslides and cause small rivers to rise rapidly.

Where to go when places are closed

If you’re planning a visit to the park, Nelson recommends stopping off on lesser-known trails, which are also home to wildlife that showcases the picturesque Rocky Mountain landscape.

Nelson recommends visitors visit Firebrand Pass on the south side of the park. The six-mile long trail begins south of East Glacier Park Village and passes through aspen trees and willow bushes before merging onto the Continental Divide Trail.

Another favorite of Nelson’s is to drive along the southern edge of the park and pass through St. Mary’s at the eastern entrance.

“You can go to Jackson Glacier Overlook right now, and there are a lot of great wildlife viewing opportunities there,” Nelson said. “There’s also a lesser-known trail outside the St. Marys entrance called the Beaver Pond Loop. It’s a 3.3-mile trail where you can see bears and moose; no one knows it’s there. It’s a pro tip.”

If seeing Rocky Mountain goats is top on the agenda, Nelson recommends Goat Lick Overlook, a natural mineral seep where goats swallow naturally formed salt.

Be aware and listen to warnings

No matter where your travels take you, Nelson says visitors need to keep their eyes open and remain alert.

“Closings can happen quickly, and sometimes it can be easy to miss signs. Watch for closures, be aware, and take it seriously. As we’ve seen, flash flooding is a big problem, and if you don’t follow posted guidelines and warnings, you can quickly find yourself in a dangerous situation,” he said.

Use extra caution around water, and think twice before jumping into fast-flowing rivers and streams. Also, carry bear spray and know how to use it, Nelson said.

Officials say they will continue to evaluate and reopen areas as conditions improve.

“Visitors are advised to expect disruption from rain, including dangerous or impossible travel conditions. Backcountry hikers may have difficulty navigating high-elevation trails and should take steps to prevent hypothermia,” the NPS wrote in a statement.

current off

NPS till 30th June Closed parts of the following areas Causes of flood:

pheasant

• Ptarmigan Cutoff
• Ptarmigan Falls, motel parking lot to the junction above Ptarmigan Falls

swiftcurrent

• Swiftcurrent Horse Trail Cutoff and Horse Loading Spur Trail
• Swiftcurrent Pass, Swiftcurrent Motel Cutoff Trail, and Granite Park Motel
• Swiftcurrent Lake Loop, around Swiftcurrent Lake and Swiftcurrent Lake Junction from Grinnell Glacier Trailhead
• Campstore parking lot for Swiftcurrent Pass, Swiftcurrent Pass and Redrock Falls

Piegan Pass

• Paigan Pass Cutoff
• Piegan Pass, from hotel to Featherplume Falls Junction

red gap pass

• Trail down to Poia Lake
• Sherburne Cutoff, Red Gap Pass Trail to Sherburne Ranger Station

Cracker LakeTrail leading to Cracker Lake Campground

Saddle Horse Corral

South Shore Josephine LakeOstler Shelter and Josephine Walk from the hotel

Grinnell Lake, Horse Trail and Foot Trail from Ostler Shelter to Grinnell Lake

Running Eagle FallsTwo Medicine Road to Running Eagle Falls

Iceberg TrailIceberg Lake Trailhead Spur Trail