Apgar is made up of several developed areas and facilities at the south end of Lake McDonald, each connected with one another by Camas Road, Apgar Loop Road, and a bike path. The area includes the lakefront village, the separate visitor center, a lakefront picnic area, short hiking trails, and the park’s largest campground.
Additional Services
Where Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses over the Continental Divide at 6646 feet (2025 m) elevation, Logan Pass is the highest spot in the park accessible by vehicle. It’s extremely popular, and its parking lot fills very early and remains busy throughout the day.
This area’s name refers to the North Fork of the Flathead River, which forms much of the park’s western boundary. With limited amenities and services, the area invites a more self-reliant visitor. Pack a lunch and allow all day to drive to and from Kintla and Bowman Lakes on rough, single-lane gravel roads. The only services here are outside the park entrance in the small community of Polebridge. There is no cell phone coverage. A four-wheel-drive vehicle and the ability to change a tire are recommended, as flat tires are common. Vehicles over 21 feet and/or trailers are not permitted on any roads in the North Fork area, with the exception of private horse trailers accessing the Bowman horse corral.
Lower portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road are open year-round, but the upper elevations do not usually open until late June. Please visit our Plowing and Road Status pages for the most up-to-date information. The alpine sections of the road typically close for the winter on the third Monday of October, but this can change due to wintry weather.
Plowing the road is a lengthy process each spring. Unpredictable snowstorms, avalanches, or other weather-related events can slow down progress. It’s not uncommon for crews to need to re-plow sections of road when weather events happen. The park’s Plowing page provides information on where crews are working. Vehicle Size Limits
Bicycling From June 15 through Labor Day, the following sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road are closed to bicycle use between 11 am and 4 pm:
For safety reasons, 40 mph is the speed limit in the lower elevations of the road, and 25 mph in the alpine section. Please stay alert around blind curves, as animals and pedestrians often cross the road unexpectedly. Built to resemble a rustic hunting chalet with Swiss luxury influence, the historic lodge itself is an attraction. The property also houses other historic buildings, including a separate camp store and multiple dining options. The dock provides access to lake tours and boat rentals, and several popular hiking trails begin at the Sperry trailhead located just across the road. Boat Rentals and Scenic Boat Cruises Bus Tours Horseback Rides Additional Services
The place where the "mountains meet the prairies" offers visitors many options for recreation, including a day hike to an alpine lake or dining at the Rising Sun Motor Inn. Abundant parking makes this a popular stop on the east side for visitors looking to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road by shuttle. Boat Rentals and Scenic Boat Cruises Bus Tours Additional Services
Accessed via a separate entrance just northwest of the town of East Glacier Park, the Two Medicine area is a popular alternative to the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. The valley’s west end features a large, high-elevation lake surrounded by dramatic peaks and plenty of hiking trails. Bus Tours Additional Services
This scenic and remote area at the south end of Waterton Lake can be accessed via overnight backpacking trips in Glacier. During the summer months, Goat Haunt is also accessible from Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, either by boat or via an 8.5-mile hike from the Waterton Townsite. There are no services (other than the scenic cruises) available. There is a ranger station for information during the summer months. A passport and other approved documentation (information available here) are required for travel beyond Goat Haunt across the border. Accessed via a separate entrance just west of the town of Babb, Many Glacier is a popular alternative to the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. Being the confluence of four major valleys, two of which contain glaciers, this area offers spectacular views as well as some of the most famous landmarks and hikes in the park. Boat Rentals and Scenic Boat Cruises Bus Tours Horseback Rides Additional Services
Road Conditions & Directions
Transportation is a critical part of trip planning. Glacier's roads all have various restrictions and season lengths. 
Shuttle System
The shuttle can move you along Going-to-the-Sun Road but requires flexibility. 
Construction Projects
Learn about current road construction projects in and around the park. 
Visitor Centers
Glacier has three main visitor centers. At each, you will find knowledgable staff ready to answer questions and help in trip planning. 
Tips for Dealing with Crowds
The summer season, May through September, is extremely busy, especially along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. |
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Last updated: October 5, 2023