P.O. Box 120, West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone: 406-888-7800
Open All Year
Overview. Threaded by the Trans-Canada Highway and capped by over 400 glaciers, this national park offers scenic views of craggy peaks that compete with its Rocky Mountain neighbors to the east. This 521-square mile (1,350-square km) park features the glacier-scoured jagged upthrusts of the Selkirk and Purcell ranges of the Columbia Mountains. These seem to puncture moisture-laden clouds as they pass over, resulting in the heavy precipitation characteristic of the area. Expect rain or snow in Glacier, and enjoy the incredible views when the sun does shine. In 1881 Major Rogers first discovered a pass through the mountains when working for the Canadian Pacific railroad. After constant avalanche damage forced the railroad to tunnel underneath the mountains, visitor traffic thinned considerably. But in 1962 the Trans-Canada Highway opened, bringing tourists back to this remote high-country area protected by the world's largest mobile avalanche-control system. What to see and do. Many visitors enjoy driving through the park and stopping at one of the several scenic picnic areas dotting the roadside. About halfway through the park you find the Rogers Pass Visitor Center. Open from 8 AM until 8:30 PM starting mid-June to early October (from 9 AM to 5 PM winters), the center features several informative videos. Don't miss the theater presentation of "Snow Wars," which documents how staff control the avalanches with strategically placed howitzer strikes. Consider participating in a guided walk examining glaciers, wildlife, and the park's flowers. Back on the road, watch the surrounding vegetation change from lush lodgepole, cedar, and hemlock forest to subalpine fir cover to broad tundra as you drive up and over the pass. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles overhead. If you'd like to deepen your investigation of the park, pick up trail maps and the crucial hikers' guidebook Footloose in the Columbias. Glacier offers several shorter trails, including the 30-minute Abandoned Rails Trail, which follows old railroad beds. Two trails lead to the foot of the enormous Illecillewaet Glacier, a sight that will last a lifetime. Altogether, the 14 trails cover about 88 miles (140 km) of ground. Overnight backpacking is permitted with registration at the visitor center. Otherwise, two campgrounds offer basic services such as flush toilets and firewood. All camping is first-come, first-served. A short trail starts at Loop Brook campground, while the seven major trails start at Illecillewaet Campground. While out on the trails, keep your noisemakers busy so the park's resident grizzlies know you're coming. The pamphlet "Keep the Wild in Wildlife" prepares you for unexpected encounters. Take a hike out on the 13-mile (20 km) Beaver River Trail and watch out for moose. However you choose to see the park up close, expect to get wet, for it rains or snows three of every five days. There is one extensive cave system with access by permit for experienced cavers. Winter visitors find some of North America's best deep powder ski-touring at Rogers Pass and winter camping at Illecillewaet Campground. A Best Western lodge offers more comfortable surroundings. Pets: Leashed pets are allowed. Restrictions and fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged. Alcohol is not permitted.
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