Part of Sun Road open

The Daily Inter Lake

Hikers and bikers will have about five miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road all to themselves this weekend.

The road is currently closed to

vehicles at Lake McDonald Lodge.

Plowing started on Monday. Park spokeswoman Melissa Wilson said crews are encountering average snow depths of three to four feet as they make their way toward The Loop.

However, she said the road from Lake McDonald Lodge to Avalanche Creek is mostly clear.

"There are a few patches of snow or ice, but you can pick your way between them," Wilson said. "Once you get past Avalanche, it starts getting pretty slushy and icy."

On the east side, park road crews finished clearing the Chief Mountain road on Thursday and now will begin work on the Two Medicine Road.

The east side of Sun Road is closed at Rising Sun. At this time of year, there's typically still a fair amount of snow beyond the gate, with patches of open roadway.

The weather this weekend should be well suited for a spring stroll, at least on Sunday.

The National Weather Service is predicting a 40 percent chance of rain today, with highs around 60 degrees. It's expected to be partly cloudy on Sunday, with highs in the mid-50s and a 20 percent chance of rain.