Plows close in on Logan Pass
Some stretches of Sun Road may stay unpaved for now
As the snow recedes, access to Glacier National Park gradually expands.
Concession services opened in the Many Glacier Valley on Friday, and the Two Medicine Campground and the Cut Bank road and campground were opened this week.
Going-to-the-Sun Road plowing continues toward Logan Pass, with the east-side crew working beyond Siyeh Bend and the west-side crew working in the Rimrock area just below Oberlin Bend and the pass.
"Though our plowing effort has been challenged by the cool spring and continuing high-elevation snow, our crews are diligently working to provide access to the alpine section of the Sun Road," said Stephanie Dubois, the park's acting superintendent.
Amy Vanderbilt, Glacier's communications manager, said prolonged winter conditions have delayed contractors working on the Sun Road comprehensive reconstruction project and a storm-damaged stretch of road east of Logan Pass.
Vanderbilt said contractors hoped to finish paving a short stretch of road that was repaired last fall before the road opens for the summer. But now it appears that work won't happen until the fall shoulder season, Vanderbilt said.
It also is unclear whether, before the road fully opens this year, paving will be finished on about 1 1/2 miles of Sun Road that was rebuilt last summer. Vanderbilt said temporary surfacing may be used on both stretches.
"They will need to have that drivable by the time we get the road plowed and ready for opening," she said. "Whether it's paved before it's open remains to be seen."
Current vehicle access on the road remains unchanged.
Visitors can drive about 16 miles between West Glacier and a gate at Avalanche Campground. Hikers and bikers have exclusive access to about six miles of road beyond the gate.
On the east side, visitors can drive about 13 miles from St. Mary to Jackson Glacier Overlook. From there, hikers and bikers can travel about two miles.
All other park roads are open, including the Camas, Chief Mountain, Two Medicine, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake and Many Glacier roads. The Inside North Fork Road remains closed between Logging Creek and Fish Creek.
Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com