The last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle from the east side of Glacier National Park will be Sunday, Oct. 4, park officials announced Tuesday.
Vehicle traffic will be restricted on the east side near the St. Mary Campground beginning Oct. 5 to allow for fall season rehabilitation on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicle access to Logan Pass will be available from the west side of the park through the third weekend in October, weather permitting.
The last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle from the east side was originally planned to be Sept. 20. However, road crews have made great progress on paving and road rehabilitation projects and are able to extend access to the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Road rehabilitation will continue through and after Oct. 4. Visitors should anticipate some traffic delays, and some east-side road pull-outs may be closed due to road work and fire hazards.
After the closure to motorists, hikers and bikers will have access to the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road on weekends and evenings, weather permitting.
Some trails are closed on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road due to the Reynolds Creek Fire. For more information on status of trails and access, please contact the park or visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trailstatusreports.htm.
The free shuttle transportation service accessing Logan Pass and locations along Going-to-the-Sun Road will operate through Sept. 7.
Shuttles on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road are currently running a modified schedule due to the Reynolds Creek Fire. East side shuttles are stopping only at St. Mary, Rising Sun, Rising Sun Boat Dock, Gunsight Pass Trailhead, Siyeh Bend, and Logan Pass. West side shuttles are running a normal schedule.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center will remain open through Sept. 30. The St. Mary Visitor Center will remain open through Oct. 4. The Apgar Visitor Center will move to a weekend only schedule beginning Oct. 17 through mid-May.
Autumn visitors to Glacier National Park will find fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and changing vegetation colors, according to a statement from park officials.
Area residents and visitors are reminded that the park is open year-round and park recreational opportunities can be found during all seasons.
For additional park information, visit the park’s website http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800.