Use the collapsible panels for detailed information about each shuttle stop including location, amenities, and other trip planning information.
Shuttle Reservation Validation Station Sprague Creek Campground is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road approximately 9 miles from the West Entrance of the park. There is a picnic area in the campground. Lake McDonald Lodge is a great destination for numerous activities. The Lodge itself is an attraction and built to resemble a hunting lodge with Swiss influence. Come and enjoy all that this historic location has to offer. Parking is often limited, so it might be a good idea to park your car at the Apgar Visitor Center and hop on a shuttle to reach Lake McDonald Lodge.
Avalanche Creek is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The area includes 2 of the more popular hiking trails, a picnic area, and restrooms. Avalanche Campground is also located here, making this a popular base camp for journeys along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Loop represents a very significant location on Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is the only switchback on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and contains many architectural features. The Trapper Fire of 2003 swept through this area and opened up vistas of distant mountains. Heavens Peak dominates the landscape and a hiking trail at this spot maps the course to the historic Granite Park Chalet. Logan Pass sits along the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet (2,026 m) and treats visitors to sweeping vistas of mountains and alpine meadows. Wildlife such as Bighorn sheep, Mountain goats, and occasional bears may be seen. Rangers at the Logan Pass Visitor Center will be on hand to answer questions about the area and nearby day hikes. A bookstore is also located in the visitor center. Day Hikes (one-way): Located on a prominent bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Siyeh Bend Shuttle Stop marks the transition point between the higher elevation sub-alpine vegetation and the forest of the East Side. Two popular day hikes depart from this location, Piegan Pass and Siyeh Pass. Jackson Glacier Overlook provides visitors with the opportunity to see a glacier from Going-to-the-Sun Road. St. Mary Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in the St. Mary Valley. Two other beautiful waterfalls, Virginia Falls and Baring Falls, can also be added to your hike from this location. The Reynolds Creek Fire burned this area in 2015 and opened up vistas of mountains in the St. Mary Valley. Sunrift Gorge Shuttle Stop is another popular location along the eastern portion of Going-to-the-Sun road. There are a variety of both short and long hikes that can be accessed from this location. An impressive architectural feature of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Baring Creek Bridge can also be seen here. Sun Point is one of the premier spots to view the mountains that tower above St. Mary Lake. In the early part of the 1900s the promontory jutting out into the lake was the site of the Going-to-the-Sun Chalet. The buildings were removed, after falling into disrepair during World War II. The site now boasts a short nature trail, picnic area, and trailhead to three spectacular waterfalls. Take a boat tour on St. Mary Lake and if you choose, disembark at the Baring Falls boat dock and hike to a variety of destinations. Catch another shuttle at shuttle stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road to get back. St. Mary Visitor Center is the main hub for transit functions and park information on the east side of the park. Rangers are on hand to answer questions, and educational and interpretive exhibits and a park movie may be available to read and watch. Backcountry information and permits are located in St. Mary Visitor Center for those looking to get off the beaten path. St. Mary Visitor Center also has a bookstore inside. Activities:
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Last updated: May 3, 2022