Montana Tacomas

that’s a great idea.
and it’s not that difficult to get a pass. The first year we went we just got online at 8:00 am and had tickets for the next day.

 

The website for Glacier says GTSR passes for next day are released at 7pm. Any idea how many they allocate?

 

No idea this year but the last few years it was around 15,000. Have your account setup at Recreation.gov with debit/credit card and all personal info entered BEFORE you need to purchase them. Get ready at 6:59 and start hitting refresh. Sometimes it gets overloaded trying to get people in. You might spend some time getting familiar with it before you need to purchase. Since they have changed the reservations this year, it might actually be easier. It sounds like there will be significantly more available.

 

Believe they've changed it this year to do like @MTgirl suggested and do more 1 day versus multiple days. Shouldn't, and I stress shouldn't, have too much of an issue. But like @TacoManOne suggests, be familiar with the system ahead of time.

 

I will be in the Kalispel Montana area this week if anyone is interested in a KDMax tune. Shoot me a PM

 

Shout out for LaVigne auto repair in Helena. Saved $800 using them instead of a Bozeman area repair shop.

 

@TacoManOne
You up here for business or pleasure?

 

If you're staying in St Mary that would be the time to drive GTSR no pass is needed for east side entry. Pass for west side entrance only.

 

I saw that. So I can drive all the way across and out to Whitefish without a permit?

 

Shouldn’t have a problem unless things changed. You’re sure to Enjoy it. I liked travelling above the clouds for a spell. Really cool.

 

Yup good to go. One reason we booked St Mary for our trip. Head up from go fast campers into St Mary then over to Kalispell before spending a week in the Bitterroot valley looking at homes

 

Depends on how fast you want to go. The entire route is 51 miles but expect traffic at 20-25 mph. How many stops do you want to take? St, Mary's waterfall hike? Siyeh bend hike? Jackson glacier overlook? The iconic Goose Island Overlook? How long do you want to spend at Logan Pass? You could probably drive through in 2 -2.5 hours depending on the time of day. Worth it though to stop and smell the roses though! Most of the best stops are on the East side of the pass. Avalanche Creek definitely worth the crowds on the west side. The St. Mary's boat ride is interesting if you are into history and interpretive guided hikes. Have a blast!

 

We plan on staying at KOA in St Mary a couple nights. No real plans what we’re doing each day. If we went in GTSR and say hiked a morning, we can turn around and go back to St. Mary that afternoon, correct? Want I’m asking is is it ok to turn around on the road and head back whenever there’s room/opportunity to?

 

Absolutely! There are multiple pull outs for hiking and seeing sights. It depends on traffic of course but making a u turn in the road might be difficult. Just DON'T park illegally with any part of your vehicle off road or touching a plant. you WILL get a ticket. Ask me how I know. And if you go on the west side FOLD IN YOUR MIRRORS!! It gets very tight and folks coming up will be over the centerline to avoid going over the cliff (they think) while you're literally stuck up against the wall.

 

You guys are so helpful!!! Thank you all!

 

Skiing at Whitefish! Back in Spokane. Is.

 

Booked a little place in Kalispell for a couple nights during our trip. Might try to make it to the Polebridge Mercantile. Fiancés maiden name is Bowman. She wants a Bowman Lake shirt

 

you must get the huckleberry bear claw at Polebridge!! And a few to take home. Bowman lake is beautiful. Definitely worth the drive.

 

The north fork is paved for 12 miles and then I think its another 26 up to Polebridge. It can be rough depending on when it was graded last. Definitely worth it. You can also take the Camas Road inside the park that is paved to the north fork at something around mile marker 20 i think. Not sure how the permits will change being able to take the Camas Road though.
Whatever the issues the Merc is definitely worth the drive.