Inside North Fork Road nearly open

All 28 miles of Glacier National Park’s Inside North Fork Road are expected to open this weekend after road crews complete temporary repairs to areas that have been prone to damage from spring runoff flooding.

Recurring washouts have caused significant damage to the road, particularly near the Anaconda Creek and Logging Creek areas.

A third location on the road between Quartz Creek and Logging Creek converges with the North Fork Flathead River, which is beginning to undercut the road due to a sloughing riverbank.

The section of road between Polebridge and Logging Creek opened in May but the other sections have remained closed.

Park officials say planning is needed for long-term solutions to the recurring damage. Public comments will be sought when planning efforts get underway.

The Inside North Fork Road was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

It is a narrow, gravel road, and use of recreational, towed and low-clearance vehicles is strongly discouraged. In ideal conditions, at least two hours are needed to travel the entire length of the road.

Visitors are advised to prepare for traveling the road by carrying plenty of water and food, and to be prepared to possibly encounter downed trees.