Visitors flocking to Glacier

by The Daily Inter Lake
| July 14, 2012 8:23 AM

Despite record rainfall in June, Glacier National Park visitation was up nearly 18 percent compared to June 2011.

More than 490,000 people have entered the park so far this year, an increase of 14 percent compared to the first six months of last year, according to the National Park Service Public Use Statistics Office.

The first month of the summer season was a soggy one, with a record 7.9 inches falling in June, surpassing the previous record of 7.5 inches in 2005.

The relatively early opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass on June 19 most likely boosted visitation for the month. Last year, there was a record-late opening of the pass on July 13.

Park visitation was up over last June’s numbers at all entrances.

Concession lodging was up 24 percent, tent stays were up 37 percent, backcountry stays were up 11 percent, group camping was up and total overnight stays were up 28 percent for June.

July and August are the busiest months for Glacier Park visitation.