Logan Pass opening just days away

The Daily Inter Lake

Glacier National Park officials plan to extend vehicle access on Going-to-the-Sun Road up to the Big Bend this morning, and the historic highway is within days of opening over Logan Pass.

"It's some days away, but hopefully as soon as possible, barring any weather changes," park spokeswoman Amy Vanderbilt said Thursday of opening the road over the pass.

Plow crews this week were still widening lanes near the pass and other preparation work was under way, such as installing signs and removable guardrails.

Meanwhile, construction crews have been paving a section of road damaged by a severe storm nearly three years ago near the East Tunnel and construction work has also been under way west of the pass.

Vanderbilt said construction will not delay the opening of the pass.

Hikers and bikers will not be able to travel beyond the Big Bend, located about 29 miles from West Glacier, while construction is under way.

East of the pass, there is vehicle access for about 14 miles to Jackson Glacier Overlook until the pass is opened.

This weekend is "fee free" weekend in Glacier Park, and Vanderbilt noted that the West Glacier area is currently "awash" in a beargrass bloom.

"It's just a banner year for beargrass down here," she said.