Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Trails and River Report for August 14, 2009

Good morning folks, this is Denny with your hiking and rafting report for August 14, 2009. Huckleberries are out, the river is a great place to be (all splash gear, river booties and wetsuits are always free), and Iceberg Lake may still have some Icebergs. Do not forget your rain gear this weekend.

The Glacier National Park forecast for this weekend is:

West Glacier

Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. South southwest wind between 3 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind between 5 and 8 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 75.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

St. Mary’s

Friday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming northwest. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. West wind between 5 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. West wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 69.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Current water level is holding steady at 2.40 feet or about 1340 cfs in West Glacier, creating a great wet adventure. We are currently running Rafts,Thrillseekers and Duckies. We have been running Paola down to Blankenship on the Middle Fork and Ford down on the North Fork. Remember we only put a maximum of 8-9 people per boat so everyone can have a window seat and the best ride!

Roads

Logan Pass – Is completely open! Expect 5-20 minute delays for construction. Between 10 pm and 6 am, 4 hour closures may exist, call for more info 888 – 7859.

Other roads – All roads are completely open.

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Trail Reports

Closed Campgrounds and Trails

Morning Star Campground – Bears

Atlantic Creek CG - Bears

Closed Areas

Head of Bowman Lake – Eagles Nesting

Lake McDonald Shore along Fish Creek Road – Eagles Nesting

Hidden Lake – 300yrds from outlet – Fish Spawning

Clements Area – Resource protection

Posted Trails and Areas

Apgar Bike Path – Bears

Swiftcurrent Pass Trail from Fisher Cap Lake to Bullhead Lake – Bears

Sperry Trail to Chalet – Bears

Iceberg Lake Trail from Many Glacier Trailhead to Ptarmigan Falls – Bears

Grinnell Glacier trail, head of Josephine Lake to Grinnell Glacier - Bears

Highline Trail From Granite Park Chalet to Logan Pass – Bears

Poia Lake Trail from the trailhead up 2 miles - Bears

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Current Trail Conditions

Lake McDonald Valley

Highline Trail - Logan Pass - Granite Park Chalet/ 7.6 mi.

Safety hand line cable - Installed as of 6/23/09.

Snow Cover: 0%

TRAIL POSTED due to bears frequenting 8/10/09

Granite Park Chalet - Fifty Mtn. Campground/ 11.9 mi.

Ahern drift was blasted on 7/21/09. The Cattle Queen Drift (about 2.5 mi. north of Ahern) forms a classic snowbridge which may not be apparent thus it is recommended that hikers take the faint alternate trail that crosses the stream course approx. 120′ below the drift.

Avalanche Lake trail is open. Please be mind full of “Restoration Area” signs along the trail and around the campground and try to prevent/reduce resource impacts by staying on the trail or walking on durable surfaces (ex: lakeshore, rocks, logs, etc.).*

Sperry Chalet Trail – Sperry Chalet to Comeau Pass - Two plank foot bridges and the handline at Comeau Pass installed 7/7/09 Snow Cover: 6% SNOW HAZARD: Possible snow bridges covering portions of the trail between the summit of Comeau Pass and the Sperry Glacier Overlook. All of the snow cover for this trail is located in this section. 08/03/2009

Trail Posted: Bear Frequenting, grizzly bear sow and two cubs. 07/15/2009.

St. Mary’s Valley

Hidden Lake Trail – 0% snow cover. Oberlin / Reynolds / Clements area closure for Resource Protection. But trails to Oberlin and Reynolds are accessible to climbers. HIDDEN LAKE FISHING CLOSURE: 300 yards from outlet.

St Mary’s Falls and Virgina Falls are open.

Siyeh pass trails – Snow Cover: 0%

Many Glacier Valley

Iceberg Lake Trail is open. TRAIL POSTED: bear freqenting as of 7/22/09 The lake may still have some icebergs. The tunnel opened on July 8^th.

Grinnell Glacier Trail - Snow cover: 0%

TRAIL POSTED: Bear frequenting

Two Medicine Valley

Trails in the Valley are open and in Summer conditions.

Dawson Pass to Pitamakin Pass - Snow cover: 0% Cut Bank trail head to Pitamakin Pass is closed due to bears.

North Fork

Trails are in summer conditions.

Backpacking

Backcountry campgrounds – Morning Star and Atlantic Creek are the only closed CG’s (due to Bears).

McDonald Lake CG is open and has been reconstructed. Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Use caution around wildlife, there may be young of the year hidden near by and their parents are very protective. Remember, we sell bear spray at cost ($27)

Before a long day of adventuring in Glacier please stop by the Bonecrusher Bistro for a coffee, breakfast burrito or sandwich (open 8 am to 6 pm). Or stop by after for a smoothie, homemade cookie or ice cream cone.

Remember all equipment is included for free on our rafting trips (Splash gear, wet suits and river booties), and we will not over stuff your boat.

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Trails and River Report for August 7, 2009

Good morning folks, this is Denny with your hiking and rafting report for August 7, 2009. Huckleberries are out, the river is a great place to be (all splash gear, river booties and wetsuits are always free), and Iceberg Lake still has Icebergs. Do not forget your rain gear this weekend.

The Glacier National Park forecast for this weekend is:

West Glacier

Friday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. High near 63. Northeast wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers likely. Low around 49. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Saturday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

St. Mary’s

Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of the storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain. High near 58. North northeast wind between 10 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Friday Night: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then rain likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 45. North northwest wind between 7 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Saturday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Northwest wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 68.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 69.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Current water level is holding steady at 2.52 feet or about 1520 cfs in West Glacier, creating a great wet adventure. We are currently running Rafts,Thrillseekers and Duckies. We have been running Paola down to Blankenship on the Middle Fork and Ford down on the North Fork. Remember we only put a maximum of 8-9 people per boat so everyone can have a window seat and the best ride!

Roads

Logan Pass – Is completely open! Expect 5-20 minute delays for construction.

Other roads – All roads are completely open.

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Trail Reports

Closed Campgrounds and Trails

Morning Star Campground - Bears

Closed Areas

Head of Kintla Lake – Eagles Nesting

Head of Bowman Lake – Eagles Nesting

Lake McDonald Shore along Fish Creek Road – Eagles Nesting

Lower Quartz Lake – Between trail and west of outlet – Loons

Oberlin/Reynolds area – Resource Protection

Hidden Lake – 300yrds from outlet – Fish Spawning

Clements Area – Resource protection

Posted Trails and Areas

Apgar Bike Path – Bears

Swiftcurrent Pass Trail from Fisher Cap Lake to Bullhead Lake – Bears

Sperry Trail to Chalet – Bears

Iceberg Lake Trail from Many Glacier Trailhead to Ptarmigan Falls – Bears

Ptarmagin Tunnel Trail from the trail junction to the Tunnel – Bears

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Current Conditions

Lake McDonald Valley

Highline Trail - Logan Pass - Granite Park Chalet/ 7.6 mi.

Safety hand line cable - Installed as of 6/23/09.

Snow Cover: 0%

Granite Park Chalet - Fifty Mtn. Campground/ 11.9 mi.

Ahern drift was blasted on 7/21/09. The Cattle Queen Drift (about 2.5 mi. north of Ahern) forms a classic snowbridge which may not be apparent thus it is recommended that hikers take the faint alternate trail that crosses the stream course approx. 120′ below the drift.

Avalanche Lake trail is open. Please be mind full of “Restoration Area” signs along the trail and around the campground and try to prevent/reduce resource impacts by staying on the trail or walking on durable surfaces (ex: lakeshore, rocks, logs, etc.).*

Sperry Chalet Trail – Sperry Chalet to Comeau Pass - Two plank foot bridges and the handline at Comeau Pass installed 7/7/09 Snow Cover: 6% SNOW HAZARD: Possible snow bridges covering portions of the trail between the summit of Comeau Pass and the Sperry Glacier Overlook. All of the snow cover for this trail is located in this section. 08/03/2009

St. Mary’s Valley

Hidden Lake Trail – 0% snow cover. Oberlin / Reynolds / Clements area closure for Resource Protection. But trails to Oberlin and Reynolds are accessible to climbers. HIDDEN LAKE FISHING CLOSURE: 300 yards from outlet.

St Mary’s Falls and Virgina Falls are open.

Siyeh pass trails – Snow Cover: 0%

Many Glacier Valley

Iceberg Lake Trail is open. TRAIL POSTED: bear freqenting as of 7/22/09 The lake has great icebergs. The tunnel opened on July 8^th.

Grinnell Glacier Trail - Snow cover: 0%

TRAIL POSTED: Bear frequenting

Two Medicine Valley

Trails in the Valley are open and in Summer conditions.

Dawson Pass to Pitamakin Pass - Snow cover: 0%

North Fork

Trails are in summer conditions.

Backpacking

Backcountry campgrounds – Morning Star is the only closed CG due to Bears.

McDonald Lake CG is open and has been reconstructed. Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Use caution around wildlife, there may be young of the year hidden near by and their parents are very protective. Remember, we sell bear spray at cost ($27)

Before a long day of adventuring in Glacier please stop by the Bonecrusher Bistro for a coffee, breakfast burrito or sandwich (open 8 am to 6 pm). Or stop by after for a smoothie, homemade cookie or ice cream cone.

Remember all equipment is included for free on our rafting trips (Splash gear, wet suits and river booties)

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Trails and River Report for July 24^th, 2009

Good morning folks, this is Denny with your hiking and rafting report for July 24th. The Glacier National Park forecast for this weekend is:

West Glacier

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East southeast wind between 3 and 5 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. North wind between 3 and 6 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 85.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

St. Mary’s

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Light wind becoming east southeast between 11 and 14 mph. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. East southeast wind between 3 and 9 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 75.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Current water level is 2.93 feet or about 2230 cfs in West Glacier, creating an awesome wet adventure. We are currently running our Thrillseekers and Duckies. We have been running Paola down to Blankenship on the Middle Fork and Ford down on the North Fork. Remember we only put a maximum of 8-9 people per boat so everyone can have a window seat!

Roads

Logan Pass – Is completely open! Expect 5-20 minute delays for construction.

Other roads – All roads are completely open.

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Trail Reports

Closed Campgrounds and Trails

Morning Star Campground - Bears

North Shore Trail from Pray Lake Footbridge to No Name Lake Jct. – Bears

Closed Areas

Head of Kintla Lake – Eagles Nesting

Head of Bowman Lake – Eagles Nesting

Lake McDonald Shore along Fish Creek Road – Eagles Nesting

Lower Quartz Lake – Between trail and west of outlet – Loons

Oberlin/Reynolds area – Resource Protection

Hidden Lake – 300yrds from outlet – Fish Spawning

Clements Area – Resource protection

Posted Trails and Areas

Apgar Bike Path – Bears

Swiftcurrent Pass Trail from Fisher Cap Lake to Bullhead Lake – Bears

Sperry Trail to Chalet - Bears

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Current Conditions – A little snow remains above 6500 feet.

Lake McDonald Valley

Highline Trail - Logan Pass - Granite Park Chalet/ 7.6 mi.

Safety hand line cable - Installed as of 6/23/09.

Snow Cover: 5%

Granite Park Chalet - Fifty Mtn. Campground/ 11.9 mi.

Ahern drift was blasted on 7/21/09. At Cattle Queen Creek, backpackers might find crossing the hard packed snow remaining from avalanche a little dicey.

Avalanche Lake trail is open. Please be mind full of “Restoration Area” signs along the trail and around the campground and try to prevent/reduce resource impacts by staying on the trail or walking on durable surfaces (ex: lakeshore, rocks, logs, etc.).*

Sperry Chalet Trail – Sperry Chalet to Comeau Pass - Two plank foot bridges and the handline at Comeau Pass installed 7/7/09 Snow Cover: 25%, SNOW HAZARD: Steep angled snow fields and snow bridges covering portions of the trail in multiple locations. 07/14/2009

St. Mary’s Valley

Hidden Lake Trail -Few patches of snow to overlook and mostly clear to the lake. Oberlin / Reynolds / Clements area closure for Resource Protection. But trails to Oberlin and Reynolds are accessible to climbers. HIDDEN LAKE FISHING CLOSURE: 300 yards from outlet.

St Mary’s Falls and Virgina Falls are open.

Siyeh pass trails – Snow Cover: 1%. SNOW HAZARD: Four to five small snow fields still exist.

Many Glacier Valley

Iceberg Lake Trail is open. TRAIL POSTED: bear freqenting as of 7/22/09 <5% snow after plank bridge. Stay on trail! The lake has great icebergs. The tunnel opened on July 8^th.

Grinnell Glacier Trail - Snow cover: 25% last 1.5 mile 7/15/09

Two Medicine Valley

North Shore Trailhead from Pray Lake footbridge to the No Name Lake junction is CLOSED due to Bear frequenting. 7/20/09 Trails in the Valley are in Summer conditions.

Dawson Pass to Pitamakin Pass - Snow cover: 2% 
A path down to rock has been shoveled thru the big drift behind Mt Morgan. The rest of the trail section is clear and dry.

North Fork

Trails are in summer conditions.

Expect snow on Boulder Pass.

Backpacking

Backcountry campgrounds – Most CGs are open. Hole in the Wall is closed due to pit toilet. Morning Star is closed due to Bears.

McDonald Lake CG is open and has been reconstructed. Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Use caution around wildlife, there may be young of the year hidden near by and their parents are very protective. Remember, we sell bear spray at cost ($27)

Before a long day of adventuring in Glacier please stop by the Bonecrusher Bistro for a coffee, breakfast burrito or sandwich (open 8 am to 6 pm). Or stop by after for a smoothie, homemade cookie or ice cream cone.

Stop by Super One Foods in Columbia Falls or Kalispell and register to win a two person Hyside Kayak from Montana Raft Company. Drawing to be held July 25^th.

Conditions are changing daily and sometimes hourly, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Trails and River Report for July 17^th, 2009

Good morning folks, this is Denny with your hiking and rafting report for July 17th. The Glacier National Park forecast for this weekend is:

West Glacier

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south southwest between 5 and 8 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind at 5 mph becoming north northeast.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south southwest between 7 and 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

St. Mary’s

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 6 and 9 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. West southwest wind between 6 and 8 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 85. West southwest wind between 6 and 10 mph.

Saturday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 74.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Current water level is 3.55 feet or about 3,500 cfs in West Glacier, creating an awesome wet adventure. We are currently running our Thrillseekers and Duckies. We have been running Bear Creek down to Blankenship on the Middle Fork and Ford down on the North Fork. Remember we only put a maximum of 8-9 people per boat so everyone can have a window seat!

Roads

Logan Pass – Is completely open! Expect 5-20 minute delays for construction.

Other roads – All roads are completely open.

Trail Reports

Closed Trails and Campgrounds

Cracker Lake Campground - Bears

Morning Star Campground - Bears

Cracker Lake Trail, starting 2 1/2 miles form trailhead – Bears

Closed Areas

Head of Kintla Lake – Eagles Nesting

Head of Bowman Lake – Eagles Nesting

Lake McDonald Shore along Fish Creek Road – Eagles Nesting

Lower Quartz Lake – Between trail and west of outlet – Loons

Oberlin/Reynolds area – Resource Protection

Hidden Lake – 300yrds from outlet – Fish Spawning

Posted Trails and Areas

Apgar Bike Path – Bears

Current Conditions – Expect Snow Above 6500 Feet.

Lake McDonald Valley

Higline Trail - Logan Pass - Granite Park Chalet/ 7.6 mi.

Safety handline cable - Installed as of 6/23/09.

Snow Cover: 6%

Granite Park Chalet - Fifty Mtn. Campground/ 11.9 mi.

Ahern drift scheduled to blast on 7/21/09.

Avalanche Lake trail is open. Please be mind full of “Restoration Area” signs along the trail and around the campground and try to prevent/reduce resource impacts by staying on the trail or walking on durable surfaces (ex: lakeshore, rocks, logs, etc.).*

Sperry Chalet Trail - Lake McDonald Lodge - Sperry Chalet/ 6.4 mi – Some lingering snow cover. Two plank foot bridges and the handline at Comeau Pass installed 7/7/09

St. Mary’s Valley

Hidden Lake Trail - Patchy snow to overlook and mostly clear to the lake. Oberlin / Reynolds area closure for Resource Protection. But trails to Oberlin and Reynolds are accessible to climbers. HIDDEN LAKE FISHING CLOSURE: 300 yards from outlet.

St Mary’s Falls and Virgina Falls are open.

Siyeh pass trails - SNOW HAZARD: Four to five small snow fields still exist. Sturdy hiking boots recommended for over-snow travel.

Many Glacier Valley

Iceberg Lake Trail is open but expect some snow after plank bridge (last 1/2 mile). Stay on trail! The lake is still frozen. Little snow reported towards Ptarmigan Tunnel. The tunnel opened on July 8^th.

Grinnell Glacier Trail - SNOW HAZARD- no snow for 1.5 miles to “snow hazard” sign, and then est. 30% snow cover with likely 80% from upper picnic area to the glacier. Dangerous snow bridges and steep snow chutes across trail exist; travel not recommended.

Two Medicine Valley

Trails in the Valley are in Summer conditions.

Dawson Pass to Pitamakin Pass - Snow cover: 2% 
A path down to rock has been shoveled thru the big drift behind Mt Morgan. The rest of the trail section is clear and dry.

North Fork

Trails in valleys are in summer conditions.

Expect snow above 6,500 feet. 100% in the Boulder Pass.

Backpacking

Backcountry campgrounds – Most CGs are open. Boulder Pass, Coal Creek, and Hole in the Wall are still in winter/not open conditions. Cracker and Morning Star are closed due to Bears.

McDonald Lake CG is open and has been reconstructed, the Belly River, Two Medicine, Waterton, Cut Bank, Bowman Lake, and Kintla Lake Valleys’ are all open to backcountry camping. Conditions are changing daily, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Use caution around wildlife, there may be young of the year hidden near by and their parents are very protective. Remember, we sell bear spray at cost ($27)

Before a long day of adventuring in Glacier please stop by the Bonecrusher Bistro for a coffee, breakfast burrito or sandwich (open 8 am to 6 pm). Or stop by after for a smoothie, homemade cookie or ice cream cone.

Stop by Super One Foods in Columbia Falls or Kalispell and register to win a two person Hyside Kayak from Montana Raft Company. Drawing to be held July 25^th.

Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Trails and River Report for July 10^th, 2009

Good morning folks, this is Denny with your hiking and rafting report for July 10th. The Glacier National Park forecast for this weekend is:

West Glacier

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 79. North northeast wind at 8 mph becoming south southwest.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind at 9 mph becoming south.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 7 to 10 mph becoming south.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.

Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

St. Mary’s

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 70. Southwest wind between 3 and 10 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West southwest wind between 8 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 75. West wind around 8 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Current water level is 3.46 feet or about 3,500 cfs in West Glacier, creating an awesome wet adventure. We have been running Bear Creek down to Blankenship on the Middle Fork and the border down on the North Fork. Remember we only put a maximum of 8-9 people per boat so everyone can have a window seat!

Roads

Logan Pass – Is completely open! Expect 5-20 minute delays for construction.

Other roads – All roads are open except the Inside North Fork Road. The Inside North Fork Road is currently closed at Logging Creek RS and Fish Creek due to construction. Hiker/biker access is not allowed during the construction on this section of road.

Trail Reports

Closed Trails and Areas

Head of Kintla Lake – Eagles Nesting

Head of Bowman Lake – Eagles Nesting

Lake McDonald Shore along Fish Creek Road – Eagles Nesting

Lower Quartz Lake – Between trail and west of outlet – Loons

Oberlin/Reynolds area – Resource Protection

Hidden Lake – 300yrds from outlet – Fish Spawning

Posted Trails and Areas

Apgar Bike Path – Bears

Current Conditions – Expect Snow Above 5500 Feet.

Lake McDonald Valley

Higline Trail - Logan Pass - Granite Park Chalet/ 7.6 mi.

Safety handline cable - Installed as of 6/23/09.

As of 7/2/09, hikers should be able to traverse any remaining stretches of low-angle but snow-covered trail. High-angle drifts in the section from Logan Pass to Haystack Butte have been blasted and / or shoveled. In addition, hikers should be aware of a possible overhead hazard with snow sliding down from above the trail in the Triple Arches area. It is recommended that hikers should have vibram-soled boots. Snow Cover: 5%

Avalanche Lake trail is open. Please be mind full of “Restoration Area” signs along the trail and around the campground and try to prevent/reduce resource impacts by staying on the trail or walking on durable surfaces (ex: lakeshore, rocks, logs, etc.).*

Sperry Chalet Trail - Lake McDonald Lodge - Sperry Chalet/ 6.4 mi – Some lingering snow cover.

St. Mary’s Valley

Hidden Lake Trail - Snow covered after the first 1/2 mile to the Hidden Lake Overlook, then intermittent snow cover from the overlook to the lake Snow Hazard at the moraine, slick conditions on 7/6/09. Oberlin / Reynolds area closure for Resource Protection. But trails to Oberlin and Reynolds are accessible to climbers. HIDDEN LAKE FISHING CLOSURE: 300 yards from outlet.

St Mary’s Falls and Virgina Falls are open.

Siyeh pass trails - Snow cover: 50% Large segments of trail completely snow covered. Route finding skills needed.

SNOW HAZARD: Switchbacks towards pass are mostly snow-covered. Ice axe would be helpful if snow is firm.

Many Glacier Valley

Iceberg Lake Trail is open but expect some snow after plank bridge (last 1/2 mile). Route marked through snow with orange wands. The lake is still frozen. Little snow reported towards Ptarmigan Tunnel. The tunnel opened on July 8^th.

Grinnell Glacier Trail - SNOW HAZARD- no snow for 1.5 miles; then, above “snow hazard” sign, est. 60% snow cover with likely 100% from upper picnic area to the glacier. Dangerous snow bridges and steep snow chutes across trail exist; travel not recommended.

Two Medicine Valley

Trails in the Valley are in Summer conditions.

Dawson Pass to Pitamakin Pass - Snow cover: 2% - SNOW HAZARD- One steep snow slope close to Pitamakin pass may be avoided by skirting below it. A shorter snow slope with steep 30 ft runout cannot be avoided among cliffs. Some other short steep snow drifts cross the trail but have very short run-outs.

North Fork

Trails in valleys are in summer conditions.

Expect snow above 6,500 feet. 100% in the Boulder Pass and Hole in the Wall area.

Backpacking

Backcountry campgrounds – Most CGs above 6,000 feet are either closed for emerging vegetation or in winter conditions. Backpackers should expect snow over most passes and be prepared with ice axes and crampons.

McDonald Lake CG is open and has been reconstructed, the Belly River, Two Medicine, Waterton, Cut Bank, Bowman Lake, and Kintla Lake Valleys’ are all open to backcountry camping. Conditions are changing daily, please call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

Use caution around wildlife, there may be young of the year hidden near by and their parents are very protective. Remember, we sell bear spray at cost ($27)

Before a long day of adventuring in Glacier please stop by the Bonecrusher Bistro for a coffee, breakfast burrito or sandwich (open 8 am to 6 pm). Or stop by after for a smoothie, homemade cookie or ice cream cone.

We will have a raft trip for 8 give away at Moose’s Saloon on Wednesday July 15^th. Beer specials from Coors.

Stop by Super One Foods in Kalispell or Whitefish and register to win a two person Hyside Kayak from Montana Raft Company. Drawing to be held July 25^th.

Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Trails and River Report for July 3rdth, 2009

Good morning folks, this is Denny with your hiking and rafting report for July 3rd. The Glacier National Park forecast for this weekend is:

West Glacier

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south southeast.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. East southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Independence Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. West northwest wind between 3 and 7 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 90.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.

St. Mary’s

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. North northeast wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph.
Independence Day: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southwest.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 69.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Current water level is 3.98 feet or about 3,600 cfs in West Glacier, creating an awesome wet adventure. We have been running Bear Creek down to Blankenship on the Middle Fork and the border down on the North Fork. Remember we only put a maximum of 8-9 people per boat so everyone can have a window seat!

Roads
Logan Pass – Is completely open! Expect 5-20 minute delays for construction.
Other roads – All roads are open except the Inside North Fork Road. The Inside North Fork Road is currently closed at Logging Creek RS and Fish Creek due to construction. Hiker/biker access is not allowed during the construction on this section of road.

Trail Reports
Closed Trails and Areas
Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park – Snow hazard
Head of Kintla Lake – Eagles Nesting
Head of Bowman Lake – Eagles Nesting
Lake McDonald Shore along Fish Creek Road – Eagles Nesting
Lower Quartz Lake – Between trail and west of outlet – Loons
Oberlin/Reynolds area – Resource Protection

Posted Trails and Areas
Apgar Bike Path – Bears
Gunsight Trail – Reynolds Creek CG Jct. To Gunsight Lake – Bears
Apikuni Falls Trail – Bears
Poia Lake Trail – 1 mile up trail – Bears
Grinnell Lake Trail – Head of Josephine Lake to Cataract Creek - Bears

Current Conditions – Expect Snow Above 5500 Feet.

Lake McDonald Valley
Higline Trail - Logan Pass - Granite Park Chalet/ 7.6 mi.
Safety handline cable - Installed as of 6/23/09.
Highline Trail is scheduled to open for hikers on July 3. Hikers should be able to traverse long stretches of snow-covered trail. Steep drifts at the Rimrock, two drifts near Triple Arches and drifts above Big Bend should have been shoveled or blasted (or both) but there will still be areas of the trail that inexperienced hikers will have trouble with. It is recommended that hikers should have vibram-soled boots and an ice axe.

Avalanche Lake trail is open with little snow. Please be mind full of “Restoration Area” signs along the trail and around the campground and try to prevent/reduce resource impacts by staying on the trail or walking on durable surfaces (ex: lakeshore, rocks, logs, etc.).*

St. Mary’s Valley
Hidden Lake Trail - Snow Cover: 90%
Snow Covered, melted out near the Hidden Lake Overlook, Snow Hazard on the moraine, slick conditions.

St Mary’s Falls and Virgina Falls are open.

Siyeh pass trails - Snow cover: 50% Large segments of trail completely snow covered. Route finding skills needed.
SNOW HAZARD: Switchbacks towards pass are mostly snow-covered. Ice axe would be helpful if snow is firm.

Many Glacier Valley
Iceberg Lake Trail is open but there is 50% snow after plank bridge (last 1/2 mile). Route marked through snow with orange wands. The lake is still frozen. Little snow reported towards Ptarmigan Tunnel. The tunnel is due to open about July 10th.
Grinnell Glacier Trail - SNOW HAZARD- no snow for 1.5 miles; then, above “snow hazard” sign, est. 60% snow cover with likely 100% from upper picnic area to the glacier. Dangerous snow bridges and steep snow chutes across trail exist; travel not recommended.

Two Medicine Valley
Patchy snow above 5,500 feet and around Two Medicine Lake. Some avalanche debris on north side of the lake. No word yet on Dawson/Pitamakin

North Fork
Expect patchy snow above 5,500 feet.

Backpacking

Backcountry campgrounds – CGs above 5,000 feet are either closed for emerging vegetation or in winter conditions. Backpackers must expect snow over any pass and be prepared with ice axes and crampons.

McDonald Lake CG is open and has been reconstructed, the Belly River Valley, Bowman Lake Valley, and Kintla Lake Valley are all open to backcountry camping. Call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

The bears and lions are out and about. Use caution around wildlife, there are young of the year and their parents are very protective. Remember, we sell bear spray at cost ($27)

Before a long day of adventuring in Glacier please stop by the Bonecrusher Bistro for a coffee, breakfast burrito or sandwich (open 8 am to 6 pm). Or stop by after for a smoothie, homemade cookie or ice cream cone.

We will have a raft trip for 8 give away at Moose’s Saloon on Wednesday July 15th. Beer specials from Coors.

Stop by Super One Foods in Kalispell or Whitefish and register to win a two person Hyside Kayak from Montana Raft Company. Drawing to be held July 25th.

Good morning folks, this is Denny with your hiking and rafting report for June 26th. The Glacier National Park forecast for this weekend is:

West Glacier

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. West southwest wind between 8 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. West southwest wind between 7 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind between 6 and 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 76.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

St. Mary’s

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. West southwest wind between 13 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. West southwest wind between 10 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 69. West southwest wind between 8 and 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 72.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Rivers

Current water level is 4.6 feet or about 6,000 cfs in West Glacier, creating an awesome wet adventure. We have been running Bear Creek down to Blankenship on the Middle Fork and the border down on the North Fork. Remember we only put a maximum of 8-9 people per boat so everyone can have a window seat!

Roads
Logan Pass – Is open from the west side as of mid day Thursday. We do expect the complete road to be open Friday. Please contact the park for more details at 406 888 7800.

Other roads – All roads are open except the Inside North Fork Road. The Inside North Fork Road is currently closed at Logging Creek RS and Fish Creek due to construction. Hiker/biker access is not allowed during the construction on this section of road.

Trail Reports
Closed Trails and Areas
Arrow Lake Campground - Bears
Lower two thirds of St. Mary’s Lake – Eagles Nesting
Head of Kintla Lake – Eagles Nesting
Head of Bowman Lake – Eagles Nesting

Posted Trails and Areas
Apgar Bike Path – Bears

Current Conditions

Lake McDonald Valley
Expect snow above 5,000 – 6,000 feet.

Avalanche Lake trail is open with little snow. Please be mind full of “Restoration Area” signs along the trail and around the campground and try to prevent/reduce resource impacts by staying on the trail or walking on durable surfaces (ex: lakeshore, rocks, logs, etc.).*

St. Mary’s Valley
St Mary’s Falls and Virgina Falls are open.
Expect complete snow cover at Logan’s Pass and Siyeh pass trails. Expect snow above 5,000 feet.

Many Glacier Valley
Iceberg Lake Trail is open but there is snow on the last 1/2 mile. The lake is still frozen. Little snow reported towards Ptarmigan Tunnel. The tunnel is not open.
Grinnell Glacier Trail is not open due to snow hazard at Thunderbird Falls.

Two Medicine Valley
Patchy snow above 5,000 feet and around Two Medicine lake. Some avalanche debris on north side of the lake.

North Fork
Expect patchy snow above 5,000 feet.

Backpacking

Backcountry campgrounds – CGs above 5,000 feet are either closed for emerging vegetation or in winter conditions. Backpackers must expect snow over any pass and be prepared with ice axes and crampons.

McDonald Lake CG is open and has been reconstructed, the Belly River Valley, Bowman Lake Valley, and Kintla Lake Valley are all open to backcountry camping. Call the backcountry office for more details – 406 - 888-7859

The bears and lions are out and about. Use caution around wildlife, there are young of the year and their parents are very protective. Remember, we sell bear spray at cost.

Before a long day of adventuring in Glacier please stop by the Bonecrusher Bistro for coffee, breakfast burrito or sandwich (open 8 am to 6 pm). Or stop by after for a smoothie, homemade cookie or ice cream cone.

Good morning Flathead Valley, this is Denny from Montana Raft and Glacier Guides with your Friday June 19th river and trails report.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 5 and 8 mph.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Mostly cloudy with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy with a low around 46.

River is at an awesome level: 5.44 Feet at the bridge in West Glacier.

People have been hiking to Avalanche Lake, Apgar Lookout, Rockwell Falls (the bridge is in), Scenic Point (still some snow up top), Iceberg Lake (snow on the last mile), Cracker Lake, Poia Lake, St Marys Falls, Belly River, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, and to the Kootenai Lakes from Waterton.
Expect some snow on trails above 5500 feet especially on the north sides and in the trees. Expect snow on all passes. Crampons and ice axes are required and the ability to use them. Check with Glacier NP backcountry office and website as conditions may change at any time.

Most campgrounds at the 5,000 foot level and below are open. Above that the campgrounds are either in environmental condition (allowing the vegetation to emerge) or there is still snow. Belly River, Bowman Lake , Kintla Lake, Ole Creek, Red Eagle, Park Creek, Cut Bank all have campgrounds open. Cosley Lake, Elizabeth Lake Foot, Elizabeth Lake Head, Glenns Lake Foot and Head, and Atlantic Creek are some of the open campgrounds.

Gunsight Lake, Upper Two Medicine, Browns Pass, are not in summer conditions yet.

The Going to the Sun Road is expected to open possibly by next Friday.

Events coming up – tomorrow Saturday June 20th we have the annual Rafting for Refuse– Free rafting trips on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and free BBQ, just come help us keep Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest clean. Call for reservations. Only a few spots left. 387 5555.

Wednesday June 24th we are having a party at the Garden Bar in Bigfork, come win a rafting trip for you and seven of your friends with Montana Raft. There will be great deals on Coors Beer.

June 22nd -25th , the Blackfoot Confederate Conference will be in St Mary’s. Dance, horseback rides, powwow, - call for more info. Not all events open to the general public.

At Montana Raft Co./Glacier Guides we always sell bear spray at cost, and check out our great meal deals at the Bonecrusher Bistro.

Trails and River Report for June 12^th 2009

 

Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northeast wind at 6 mph becoming southwest.

 

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming south southeast. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

 

Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

 

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

 

Sunday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

 

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

 

River level 4.33 feet, forcasted to come up to about 6 feet this Sunday as a high.

 

Average of 4 feet snow at 6300’  according to Flattop snotel , we have received 49.9 inches of moisture during the 2008-9 year.

 

23.0 inches of snow water equivalent which is about average.

 

 

Roads and Trails – expect snow above 5500 - 6000 feet. 

 

Roads

Going to the sun road is open to Avalaunche for vehicles and the loop for bicycles on the west side and Jackson Glacier overlook for vehicles and siyeh for bikes on the east side.

 

Inside north fork road is closed between fish creek and logging ranger station for construction.   Bicycle or foot traffic is allowed.

 

Closures

Trail closed between avalaunche campground and Johns lake – Bears

Back country campground closed Mokowanis junction – Bears

 

Posting

Bowman Lake Trail is posted for cougars

Apgar bike path is posted for bears.

 

 

Remember we have Bear Spray at cost as always.

 

Rafting for Refuse Saturday 6/20.  Come help us keep the river clean, raft for free and free BBQ.   Must call to sign up.

 

Win a free Rafting Trip for eight people at the Garden Bar in Big Fork on Wednesday evening the 24^th  June. 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                        J. MOHLENRICH PHOTO
                                                                                                                                                       Jackson Glacier

Most people visit Glacier National Park because of its scenery. The combination of vertical, glacier-scoured banded mountains, pristine turquoise lakes and streams, dense ancient forests and an unrivaled assemblage of plants and animals makes superlatives inadequate. Glacier is big, wild, majestic, awesome, and spectacular, but visitors seeing it for the first time — when their open mouths begin working again — often say something profound, like “wow”.

Glacier Park has glaciers, of course. A few can be seen from roads, tucked into cirque amphitheaters. Their blue ice and crevasses distinguish them from the hundreds of snowfields above timberline. They, and the colored bands of rock striping the mountains, remind us of the park’s antiquity, and perhaps our own origins.

Getting behind the scenery requires hiking some of the 747 miles of trails in Glacier. The deeper we walk into Glacier, both literally and figuratively, the more interesting and fascinating it becomes. From putting our noses close to tiny insect-eating sundews in the wetland fens, to beaver-watching at dusk in the east-side aspenlands, to startling as a ptarmigan explodes from an alpine willow thicket, to watching groups of black swifts emerge from their nests at dusk from behind raging waterfalls, the word is still “wow”.

Add to that the probability that wolves, cougars, lynx, wolverines, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose and grizzly bears watch us from their hidden places most of the time — sometimes we get to watch them back — and hair refuses to lie down on our necks.

Glacier’s permanent inhabitants probably don’t take the park for granted either. Occasionally a Clark’s nutcracker, moving from whitebark pine seed-gathering at timberline to one of its thousands of burying spots, goes into a dive down a narrow canyon. It loops at the bottom of the dive and its wings roar. It sounds much like “wow”.

In Glacier, that’s a sentiment we all share.

Did You Know?
Did you know that some alpine plants can live to be more than a hundred years old, despite living in harsh weather conditions?

Originally Printed on the Glacier National Park Web page in 2008