Glacier National Park 2023 “vehicle reservations” open February 1

Here we go again. As expected, “vehicle reservations” will be required to enter all areas of the park. But wait, there’s more: A separate reservation will be needed for each area of the park. And only the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor is a three day reservation; all others are good for only one day!

From the official press release . . .

Glacier National Park 2023 Vehicle Reservations
Open February 1
Reservations Required May 26 through September 10, 2023

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [January 30, 2023] – Glacier National Park reminds visitors that 2023 vehicle reservations become available on Recreation.gov starting February 1, 2023, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time.

Vehicle reservations will be available on Recreation.gov through two types of booking windows: approximately four months in advance and 24-hours in advance. The 24-hour advanced reservations will become available starting May 25 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time.

Reservations are required for Going-to-the-Sun Road west side entrances and the North Fork area May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations for Going-to-the- Sun Road are good for three days, and North Fork reservations are good for one day.

Beginning July 1 through September 10, 2023, a vehicle reservation will be required to access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the Rising Sun check point, six miles west of the St. Mary Entrance. Visitors will have access to the St. Mary Visitor Center and park shuttle outside of the vehicle reservation area.

New in 2023, one reservation per vehicle per valley will be required to access Two Medicine and Many Glacier valleys on the east side of the park from July 1 through September 10 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations on Recreation.gov open for these areas starting March 1, 2023, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time and are good for one day.

Each of the specified areas of the park will require a separate reservation. Visitors will need to set up an account on Recreation.gov to obtain reservations and are encouraged to do so prior to the day reservations open. The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

Visitors may also make a reservation through the Recreation.gov call center. Contacting the call center does not provide an advantage towards securing a reservation but provides an alternative for those who don’t have access to the internet or are not as familiar with technology. Call centers are open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain Time and the processing fee remains $2. The following lines are available for callers:

Reservation line (Toll-Free) – (877) 444-6777
Reservation line (International) – (606) 515-6777
Reservation line (TDD) – (877) 833-6777

Below is a table of the block release dates and locations:
* During this time, it is likely only a portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open. Check the park website for road status or to sign up for text alerts. Vehicle reservations are not required for any east entrances until July 1.
** Each valley requires a separate reservation

In addition to a vehicle reservation, each vehicle entering the park is required to have an entrance pass for any entry point into the park. These passes could include any one of the following: a $35 vehicle pass, good for seven days; a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass; or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass.

Visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations within Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, Many Glacier, or Two Medicine can use their reservation for entry instead of a $2 reservation to gain access to the portion of the park for which they have a reservation.

Landowners inside the park are not required to have a vehicle reservation to access their properties. Pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, vehicle reservations are not required for tribal members throughout the park.

For more information visit the Glacier National Park website.

North Valley Rescue conducting annual winter training Saturday, February 4th

North Valley Rescue LogoNorth Valley Rescue will be conducting its annual winter training on Saturday, February 4th from 0800 to 1600. The training will occur mainly in the Trail Creek/ Kintla Ranch areas and possibly State Section 16. The plan is to conduct a simulated search in the morning and then snow/avalanche rescues and winter practice in the afternoon. 

If you have any questions please contact Mark at 406-890-5043 or m-mheaphy@hotmail.com

It’s that time again! Agency input for Winter 2023 Interlocal due Jan 24

Bob Dunkley explains Park plans for the Polebridge Ranger Station, post Red Bench Fire, at the 1989 Interlocal at Sondreson Hall.
Bob Dunkley explains Park plans for the Polebridge Ranger Station, post Red Bench Fire, at the 1989 Interlocal at Sondreson Hall.

Hi, folks.

The Winter 2023 Interlocal Agreement Meeting is hosted by the U.S. Forest Service at 10:00am, on Wednesday, February 8 at the Glacier Park Community Building in the park’s headquarters complex near the West Glacier entrance.

For those of you who are new to this, Interlocal meetings are held twice each year, winter and summer. These semi-annual get-togethers are intended to encourage open discussion between North Fork landowners and neighbors, and local, state and federal agencies. In other words, it’s a big deal if you have an interest in the North Fork.

As a convenience (it’s not required), I’m serving as a central point of contact for issues that North Fork organizations and individuals would like to see addressed by the various government agencies represented at the meeting. If you’ll send me your issues by noon on Tuesday, January 24, I’ll see to it that they get passed on to the various organizations in enough time for them to prepare their presentations. Please do not respond via Facebook or other social media. Use my email address, wkwalker@nvdi.com.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Bill Walker

Update on West Coal Timber Sale

Some of you have no doubt noticed log trucks shuttling back and forth to the timber sale in the Coal Creek State Forest. Here’s some news from Dave Ring, Stillwater Unit Manager for Montana DNRC . . .

I have attached a map you can share on the progress on the West Coal Timber Sale. The Purchaser’s intention is to complete the sale this winter. However, the weather will have the final say on that…

Flathead National Forest announces Tami MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor

From the official press release . . .

Kalispell, MT – December 16, 2022 – The Flathead National Forest is excited to announce the selection of Tami MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor.

Tami started her career on the Flathead National Forest as a wildland firefighter in 1998 while attending the University of Montana. She worked in wildland fire until 2006 when she accepted a position in environmental planning where she held various positions between the Flathead National Forest and the Regional Office for the next 14 years. In 2020, she became the Forest Public Affairs Officer and member of the Forest Leadership Team.

Continue reading Flathead National Forest announces Tami MacKenzie as Deputy Forest Supervisor

Glacier National Park Announces Plans for 2023 Reservations

Camas Road in Glacier NP as seen from Glacier View Mtn, April 16, 2017 - W. K. Walker
Camas Road in Glacier NP as seen from Glacier View Mtn, April 16, 2017 – W. K. Walker

Short version: For the 2023 season, all Glacier Park entrances will require a “vehicle reservation” between 6:00am and 3:00pm; reservations are good for three days, except at Polebridge, which remains a one-day ticket.

Here’s the text of the official press release with all the gory details . . .

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [December 16, 2022] – Visitors to Glacier National Park in 2023 can expect to use a vehicle reservation system to access Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance and the North Fork area of the park from May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vehicle reservations will also be required for Two Medicine and Many Glacier valleys and the St. Mary Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side of the park from July 1 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Continue reading Glacier National Park Announces Plans for 2023 Reservations

Doug Barnes dies in house fire; coroner asking for public’s assistance

Candlelight vigil for Doug Barnes, Dec 16, 2022 - Kenna Halsey
Candlelight vigil for Doug Barnes, Dec 16, 2022 – Kenna Halsey

As many of you already know, Doug Barnes and his dog Whiskey both perished in a fire at their North Fork cabin Saturday morning, December 10.

The Flathead County coroner is asking for public assistance in determining whether Doug had any family and, if so, if anyone has a name and address. Doug was from Lancaster, Ohio originally; local authorities there are looking into whether or not there are family members in the area.

If you do have information, please contact NFLA President Richard Hildner and he will pass it on to the coroner. Richard’s email and phone: richardhildner@icloud.com, 406-260-7725.

Thanksgiving 2022 Review!

By Zoë Zardis . . .

This Thanksgiving meal was a wonderful, combined effort of those who have done this many times and those of us to whom it was a first. It was great to share a meal with about 70 of the community together after a two-year break.

Before the setup even began, Bonny Ogle, Margaret Heaphy, Dick Leigh and Steve Berg were providing invaluable information that helped with all the behind the scenes work so the feast would go smoothly. Jean Perry worked diligently at creating runners for the centers of the tables.

Week-of and before had Randy Kenyon, Donna Harrison, Karen Atha, Angie Agnew, Beth Ulrichsen, Sarah Ulrichsen, Greg Evans, Karin Colby, and Rebecca Johnson, helping with the setup and decor. Greg and Randy also fired up the wood stove for us on setup morning. Wood was stocked by the Rittenburgs, Ulrichsens and those who brought some with them to the meal.

Thanksgiving Day, Krista Johnson, Bonny and Jean roasted a turkey while Karin perfected the ham in one of Alice Caldwell’s big pans. Greg got the fires started in the heating and cook stoves first thing in the morning. Kevin, Randy, Greg and Angie all had a hand in shoveling snow and Daryl Johnson dragged a log around clearing the parking lot in North Fork style. Randy, Donna, Mark and Margaret continued helping with setting up and Beth and Sarah encouraged folks young and old to create turkey hand art and play table football.

Bonny and Lynn Ogle brought their turkey which Lynn had carved in advance so it would be ready to be served. Mark carved the other turkey and ham, blessed the meal, and the eating began with delicious food had by all.

Then Santa, played by Terry Atha in the Leigh’s Santa suit, showed up for pictures.

North Fork style, many stayed and quickly got the hall put back into shape after the event.

Many thanks to all who participated whether with ideas, hands, or coming to share in this community event. It wouldn’t have been the same – or have happened at all – without you.

Lots more photos . . .