Start Planning!
You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier! Here’s what you need to know before you go.
- The tour has one starting point:
- Just north of the gate check just outside of Apgar.
- The tour direction is just in and out. Although, you can choose to go to either Bowman Lake or Kintla Lake.
- The North Fork requires a vehicle reservation to enter, purchased from recreation.gov either 120 days or 24 hours in advance.
- You will also need your National Park Pass.
- The biggest concerns are falling, hypothermia, and bears.
- The roads can be quite bumpy and are very remote.
- There is no cell reception in the park.
- Summer and early fall are the best time to visit.
Budgeting and Hours of Operation
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Budget
How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.
- National Park Pass: $20 - $35
Hours of Operation
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation. Check the NPS site for current opening hours.
Get Packing!
Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.
- Raincoat
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Insect Repellent
- Bear Spray (can be rented at Kalispel Airport or Apgar Village)
- Any Vehicle Reservations Needed
- Spare tire
- Jumper cables
Best Time to Visit
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Summer and early fall is best. But remember, you will need a vehicle reservation to enter North Fork. Keep in mind that the roads will close in winter.
Safety Information
The biggest concerns are falling, hypothermia, and bears. Watch your step, keep dry, and bring bear spray.
Additionally, the roads can be quite bumpy and are very remote.
Be prepared with a spare tire and jumper cables, and don’t rely on phone signal to get you out of a jam,
Additional Information
The North Fork requires a vehicle reservation to enter, purchased from recreation.gov either 120 days or 24 hours in advance.
If you would like to visit but do not have a reservation, you must enter before or after gate check hours or during the off-season.
You will also need your National Park Pass.
The NPS website will have the current exact hours that the gate check is manned.
Leave No Trace
While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.
Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Glacier National Park: North Fork Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Glacier National Park: North Fork Itinerary.
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