The National Park Service has reopened the Avalanche Lake Trail after the popular path was closed due to grizzly bear activity.
The trail on the west side of the park reopened Wednesday afternoon. Visitors are encouraged to carry bear spray and stay at least 300 feet away from bears. The trail was closed June 19 after the NPS received multiple reports of grizzly bears approaching people in recent days.
On June 17, a group of people surrounded a bear near the edge of the lake forcing it to swim into the water to get away, according to the federal agency.
Park officials encourage visitors to travel in groups and make loud noises by calling out or clapping their hands at frequent intervals, especially near streams, and at blind spots on trails. These actions help avoid surprise bear encounters. Do not approach any wildlife; instead, use binoculars, telescopes, or telephoto lenses to get a closer look.
Visitors should report any bear sightings or signs of bear activity to the nearest visitor center, ranger station or by calling (406) 888-7800 as soon as possible.
Vehicles can drive to Avalanche on Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side of Glacier. Crews are finishing clearing efforts along the upper stretches of the road before fully opening the thoroughfare for summer.