Closures, Evacuations, and Travel Advice

Heavy flooding in Glacier National Park prompted officials to evacuate visitors and close areas across the park beginning in late June. Now, the National Park Service (NPS) is asking the public to avoid specific areas of the park due to rising floodwaters and the potential for rockslides.

On June 28, park officials closed Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park’s iconic 50-mile scenic highway bisecting the park, until further notice due to heavy rain and debris. In the northeastern part of the Montana park, officials have closed the entire Many Glacier Valley area, including the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Many Glacier Campground—which together can host hundreds of people on any given day.

“The park urges visitors to practice responsible visitation during this weather event. Flooded areas should never be crossed, and all posted closures must be followed. Travelers should check current conditions before arriving and remain flexible with plans as weather and access may change quickly,” wrote the National Park Service in a statement.

Anthony Nelson, executive director of the park-partnering nonprofit Glacier Institute, told Outside that officials haven’t announced when the closures will be lifted, and that the extent of the flooding damage is not known at this time.

“There is a lot of water,” Nelson said. “It’s definitely a downer when Going to the Sun Road is closed, and you’ve planned your entire trip around the drive.”

Heavy rainfall swept through northern Montana on June 28, prompting dozens of additional trail closures. At the time this story was published, the NPS has closed access to hikers and cyclists beyond any road closures, and park staff tells visitors to avoid all closure points. Heavy rain in steep terrain could cause rockslides, and water from small streams can rise quickly.

Where to Go With Closures in Place

If you’re planning a visit to the park, Nelson advises stopping at lesser-known trails, which are also home to wildlife that showcases the picturesque Rocky Mountain landscape.

Nelson recommends visitors check out Firebrand Pass on the south side of the park. The six-mile-long trail begins south of East Glacier Park Village and threads through aspen groves and willow thickets before merging onto the Continental Divide Trail.

Another favorite of Nelson’s is to drive along the southern side of the park and head through St. Mary’s on the east entrance.

“Right now you can get into the Jackson Glacier Overlook, and there are plenty of great wildlife opportunities to see over there,” Nelson said. “There is also a lesser-known trail outside of the St. Mary entrance called the Beaver Pond Loop. This is a 3.3-mile trail where you can see bears and moose; nobody knows it’s there. That’s a pro tip.”

If viewing Rocky Mountain goats is high on the agenda, Nelson recommends the Goat Lick Overlook, a natural mineral seep where goats guzzle naturally formed salt.

Stay Aware and Listen to Warnings

No matter where your trip takes you, Nelson says that visitors need to keep their eyes peeled and stay alert.

“Closures can happen quickly, and it can sometimes be easy to miss the signage. Be on the lookout for closures, stay aware, and take it seriously. As we’ve seen, flash flooding is a huge deal, and you can find yourself in a dangerous situation quickly if you don’t follow posted guidelines and warnings,” he said.

Take extra precautions around water, and think twice before jumping into fast-moving streams and rivers. Also, carry bear spray—and know how to use it, Nelson said.

Authorities say they will continue to evaluate and reopen areas when conditions improve.

“Visitors are advised to expect disruptions from rain, including dangerous or impossible travel conditions. Backcountry hikers may have difficulty navigating high elevation trails and should take steps to prevent hypothermia,” wrote NPS in a statement.

Current Closures

As of June 30, the NPS closed parts of the following areas due to flooding:

Ptarmigan 

• Ptarmigan Cutoff
• Ptarmigan Falls, motel parking lot to the junction above Ptarmigan Falls

Swiftcurrent

• Swiftcurrent horse trail cutoff and horse loading spur trail
• Swiftcurrent Pass, Swiftcurrent Motel Cutoff Trail and to Granite Park Chalet
• Swiftcurrent Lake Loop, around the Swiftcurrent Lake and Grinnell Glacier Trailhead to Swiftcurrent Lake Junction
• Swiftcurrent Pass, campstore parking lot to Swiftcurrent Pass and Redrock Falls

Piegan Pass

• Piegan Pass Cutoff
• Piegan Pass, from the hotel to Featherplume Falls Junction

Red Gap Pass

• Trailhead to foot of Poia Lake
• Sherburne Cutoff, Red Gap Pass Trail to Sherburne Ranger Station

Cracker Lake, trailhead to Cracker Lake Campground

Saddle Horse Corral

South Shore Josephine Lake, hotel to Oastler Shelter and Josephine Walk

Grinnell Lake, Horse Trail and Foot Trail, Oastler Shelter to Grinnell Lake

Running Eagle Falls, Two Medicine Road to Running Eagle Falls

Iceberg Trail, Iceberg Lake Trailhead spur trail