Where is the Best Place to Watch the 2017 Solar Eclipse in Glacier National Park?

On the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, Glacier’s southwestern border, at our River Party, of course! Ok, first things first. The upcoming solar eclipse in Glacier National Park is getting a lot of press. What’s all the fuss all about?

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the moon casts a shadow on Earth, fully or partially blocking the sun’s light in some areas. Observers within the path of totality will be able to see the sun’s corona, weather permitting, of course. Observers outside this path will see a partial eclipse. So, this is a daytime event, not a nighttime. Just south of Montana, a total 100% solar eclipse will occur.

A map of the United States with a gray line running from Washington State to South Carolina showing black dots representing the eclipse’s path. Courtesy NASA.

When Will We Be Able to See the Solar Eclipse in Glacier National Park?

Here in Northwest Montana and in Glacier National Park, we will experience a 90% blockage of the sun by the moon. This blockage will begin at 10:16am, reach its apex at 11:31am, and end at 12:51pm. After the 2017 solar eclipse, the next total solar eclipse visible over the continental United States will not occur until April 8, 2024. The last one occurred in 1979!

So, this sort of thing doesn’t happen every day. Don’t miss out – join us for a special Solar Eclipse River Party! We are launching a Solar Eclipse Scenic Float — suitable for ages 3 and up — on the Wild & Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which forms Glacier National Park’s southwestern border. Where could be a better place to watch the 2017 Solar Eclipse in Glacier National Park than the park’s border river?

We will meet up at 8am at Glacier Guides and Montana Raft and be on the river in West Glacier by 9am. We will take off the river around 11am at Devil’s Elbow. There, we will lay out pads, put on special Eclipse Sunglasses – included! and yes, safe and NASA approved – kick back, and watch the show. The 90% blockage should last for approximately 3 minutes at around 11:30am. During the height of the eclipse, the daytime sky will turn almost to a nighttime sky! After the apex, we’ll serve a delicious, homemade, largely organic and locally sourced lunch riverside. Then, we’ll get back in our rafts and finish out our relaxing float, taking out at Blankenship.

glasses for solar eclipse in Glacier National Park

Get your solar eclipse glasses at our office – $3

While we are watching the eclipse, our Sky Specialist will discuss all things moon, sun, and stars. In addition, the Glacier National Park Conservancy will be on hand to discuss Glacier National Park’s recent International Dark Sky Designation. Space is limited, so sign up today!

Details on our River Party for the Solar Eclipse in Glacier National Park

If you want to book online, choose the full day whitewater trip, with the special 8am launch on August 21, or just call the office at 406-387-5555.

Pricing: $97/adult $74/child

p.s. You can save 10% if you fill a boat with 10-12 of your favorite people!

p.p.s. If you have other Solar Eclipse in Glacier National Park viewing plans, and you need NASA approved Solar Eclipse Glasses, stop by our office — just $3 each. Safety first, friends. Even the darkest Kardashian shades are not safe for viewing the eclipse, according to NASA. It is NEVER safe to look directly a the sun during the eclipse without approved solar-viewing devices.

Solar eclipse glasses protect your eyes and make you want to dance, too!

p.p.p.s. The solar eclipse will damage your eyes without appropriate glasses and will damage your camera without an appropriate filter. NASA has collected tips on photographing the solar eclipse here.

p.p.p.p.s. Our Solar Eclipse River Party is gonna be really fun. We have a very limited number of spaces left, so don’t delay. Call us if you have questions! 1-800-521-RAFT