RIVERS, ROADS, and TRAILS REPORT: August 24, 2017

Hello from Glacier Guides and Montana Raft!

We’re enjoying these last, delightful days of August in Glacier National Park. Crowds are thinning and we’ve escaped most of the smoke that other parts of Montana are suffering from. September, our favorite month of the year, is just around the corner. We love fishing, hiking, and floating under blue September skies!

RIVERS

Middle Fork of the Flathead
Running at 1.97 feet /   753 cfs.  Flood stage is 10 ft. Go here for up-to-the minute flow info.
North Fork of the Flathead: 
Running at 2.16 feet /  944 cfs.  Flood stage is 13 ft. Go here for up-to-the minute flow info.

GUIDE RAFTING NOTES: Inflatable kayaks and stand up paddle boards continue to be the best choice if you’re looking for high adventure in low water levels, but we’re still having fun in rafts on the whitewater and scenic sections of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River! Temperatures are very warm, making the gorgeous, glacially tinted water incredibly refreshing. Plus, the river remains the best way to get away from the Glacier National Park crowds.

GUIDE FISHING NOTES:  With the slight drop in temperatures and the first feelings of fall in the air, the fish are feeling feisty! We’re still recommending hoppers and morning fishing sessions. Give us a call to make your reservation. 1-800-521-RAFT

ROADS

GUIDE NOTES: Remember that the west side of the Going to the Sun Road will close on October 9, 2017, at the four way stop in Apgar, all the way to Logan Pass, due to construction projects. If you’d like to go on a fall adventure with us, give us a call soon! The Road is NOT scheduled to close on the east side onOctober 9, so Logan Pass should still be accessible, depending on the weather, of course.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Open.

Inside North Fork Road: Closed at Logging Creek RS and Fish Creek due to a rock/mud slide. The Inside North Fork road is also closed in between Logging Creek and Camas Creek.

Camas Road: Open.

Chief Mountain Road: Open. Chief Mountain Border crossing is now open for the season. Hours are 7am- 10pm 7 days a week June 1-Labor Day. Check here for the latest information.

Many Glacier Road: Open.

Cut Bank Road: Open.

SHUTTLES:  GTTSR hiker shuttles are operational!

TRAILS

Trail Status: August 1 – August 31 Accessible High Country

Generally, snow and water hazards are gone although water hazards may suddenly re-appear after thunderstorms. Backcountry campgrounds are open but may close at any time due to bear activity or forest fire for days or weeks.

Guide Notes: As we’re writing this, it’s raining, and we can’t wait to see clear skies once this storm passes! Remember that a tiny portion of Glacier National Park is affected by wildfire — the vast majority of it is open for your enjoyment! You can check smoke conditions in the park by looking at the webcams — we’re finding clear areas every day. Fire danger is currently rated as extreme and Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in place.

Trail and Area Closures: 

Closures are trails or areas of the park that have been officially closed for resource or visitor protection.

Waterton Area – North Boundary Trail, north of Goat Haunt – Wildfire Danger

Waterton Area – Mackinaw Bay Trail – Bear Frequenting

Lake McDonald Area – Sperry Trail, from trailhead to Gunsight Pass, includes Snyder Lake and Mt. Brown trails – Fire Danger

Lake McDonald Area – Snyder Ridge Trail – Fire Danger

Lake McDonald Area – Lincoln Lake Trail – Fire Danger

Rising Sun Area – Rising Sun Boat Dock to Picnic Area – Bear Frequenting

Postings are trails or areas of the park that have been posted as a warning to visitors to be especially cautious. These areas remain open and visitors should proceed with caution.Two Medicine Area – Medicine Grizzly Lake – Bear FrequentingLake McDonald Area – Avalanche Lake – Bear FrequentingCut Bank Area – Triple Divide Pass Trail – from Pitamakin Trail Junction to Triple Divide Pass – Bear FrequentingMany Glacier Area – North Shore of Lake Josephine, from the head of the lake to the head of Swiftcurrent Lake – Bear FrequentingRising Sun Area – Otokomi Lake Trail – Bear FrequentingApgar Area – Apgar Bike Path from Headquarters to Apgar Village – Bear Frequenting, Trail Closed to PetsLogan Pass Area – Oberlin Climbing Access – Maintenance Construction

For updated trail information, go here . For an updated list of closures, go here.

CAMPING

Frontcountry Campgrounds – For current information on frontcountry campgrounds go here. 

Primitive: Cut Bank

Open: Kintla Lake, Bowman Lake, Many Glacier, St. Mary, Rising Sun, Two Medicine, Apgar, Fish Creek, Sprague Creek, Avalanche

Posted: Rising Sun Campground, Dock, and Picnic Area – Bear Frequenting

Posted: Apgar Campground and pathways between Campground and Village – Bear Frequenting

Posted: Bowman Lake Campground- Mountain Lion and Bear frequenting

Posted: St. Mary Campground – Bear Frequenting

Backcountry Campgrounds –  Most backcountry campgrounds are open, but significant snow hazards may be present on the trails between them. For current information on backcountry campgrounds go here. 

CLOSED:

North Fork Area – Lincoln Lake Campground – Wildfire Danger

Lake McDonald Area – Snyder Lake Campground – Wildfire Danger

Lake McDonald Area – Lake Ellen Wilson Campground – Wildfire Danger

Lake McDonald Area – Sperry Campground – Wildfire Danger

Lake McDonald Area – Arrow Lake – Wildfire Danger

Lake McDonald Area – Camas Lake – Wildfire Danger

Trail and Area Postings: 

POSTED:

Waterton Area – Goat Haunt Shelters – Bear Frequenting

WEATHER

West Glacier – West Side of Glacier Park

West-Glacier-Forecast

St. Mary – East Side of Glacier Park

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Summer is still happening! Let’s go adventuring. Give us a call if you need a guide or gear rental! 406-387-5555

See you there,

Glacier Guides and Montana Raft