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.
Quick Tips
- The tour has just one starting point, just north of the gate check just outside of Apgar.
- It’s an out-and-back drive (same way in, same way out). The only real fork in your destiny is whether you detour to Bowman Lake or Kintla Lake—both are worth it
- The North Fork requires a vehicle reservation to enter, purchased from recreation.gov either 120 days or 24 hours in advance, in addition to your National Park Pass.
- 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 times to visit.
Budgeting and Hours of Operation
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How Long to Spend
You can experience Glacier’s North Fork in a single long day—or slow it down and savor the remoteness.
- Half day: Drive to Bowman Lake or Kintla Lake, enjoy a lakeside walk, and head back.
- Full day: Visit both lakes, stop for short hikes, and spend time in Polebridge.
- Overnight: Camp or stay nearby to enjoy quieter evenings, wildlife sightings, and stargazing.
Budget
How much you spend depends on how far you go, where you stay, and what you'll do, but here are a few estimates you can bank on (ha! get it?).
Park Entrance & Passes
You’ll need one of these to enter Glacier National Park:
- Glacier Park vehicle pass: $20–$35 (varies by season/length of stay)
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass: best value if you’re visiting multiple parks
Note: A park pass covers entrance fees—not road reservations.
North Fork Vehicle Reservation (Required)
If you’re heading to Bowman Lake or Kintla Lake, you’ll also need a separate vehicle reservation (in addition to your park pass). They are purchased on recreation.gov, and are typically released 120 days and 24 hours in advance.
No reservation = no North Fork access.
Fuel & Food
Fuel up early—services are limited near the North Fork, and slow roads burn more gas than you’d expect. Food options are limited and seasonal, so plan meals and pack snacks (future-you will be grateful).
Number one suggestion? Hit up Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery! Affordable and oh-so-delicious.
Lodging & Camping
Campgrounds are usually the cheapest option, but many require reservations.
Lodges/cabins near the North Fork are limited—book early in summer.
Optional Extras
- Bear spray (strongly recommended)
- Cooler + ice for day trips
Bottom line: Plan ahead and pack smart—most “extra costs” out here come from remoteness, not tourist traps.
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.
The North Fork is prime bear habitat. Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it. And don't forget these tips for hiking in bear country:
- Make noise while hiking.
- Never leave food unattended.
- Give wildlife plenty of space—no photos are worth a surprise encounter.
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 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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Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. When she first visited the Grand Canyon, she fell in love—with the layers, the legends, and the way nature can heal the spirit.
Now, she’s on a mission to share the stories that live in the land—and the places that make us feel small in the best way.