Logan Pass Visitor Center — Attraction in West Glacier

Went today [July 21st 2024] when most of the snow is gone. Left from St Mary at around 7 and got the logan pass at around 8. Parking was already full, so you spend 30-1 hour going in circles just to try to park your vehicle.

Once you park its nice, but the parking situation is terribly undersized. It's on a mountain so I don't know what else they can do, but as we were coming back the circling by other people was even worse then when we started and you start to see people become very desperate. We had 3 people approach us as we were heading to our car if they could have our spot... the first person who asked us we said sure but I followed up with " I don't know how your gonna manage that." Suddenly, , the passenger hops out her car and follows us to our spot (it's far) and holds it, then there's a big commotion about how she's being a (capital B-bad word) infront of my 3 and 5 year old girls. Meanwhile all this was going on my girls really had to pee. We unfortunately noticed the the women's washroom was out of order as we decided to leave earlier, but it wasn't such a big deal for us because we travel with a travel potty for our young ones in the back of our small SUV. Both girls had to use the potty, but we felt like we had to get out of there as soon as we could to avoid the confrontation. I'll never forget my daughter turning to be concerned and asked "why is he so mad, dad?" and that was because there was a guy who got out his car to yell at the woman pessanger who was holding our spot. Unfortunately, The 3 year old ended up peeing her pants.

If anyone asks you for your spot, just avoid the mess and say no, then when you leave someone who was playing fairly will get the spot. Lesson learned on my behalf. I didn't think people went that low for a parking spot.

Edit... I just read the another negative review written by Bryan and I agree. I could never be that person to pester people for their spot or send kids out to hold spots, not only are my kids to young go do this, but I'd never ever stoop that low to tell them or let them do that either.

The trail is 5/5, especially for young kids but the parking makes me lose faith...

We entered the Park via the West Glacier Park entrance on a warm sunny day. Stopped off at the Apgar Center and browsed around and then got serious and began our trek up the "Going to the Sun Road" There are very few pull outs as the road is literally carved into the side of the terrain of the mountain. Climbing/Driving up the roadway is slow and was close to being bumper to bumper at the time we went up to Logan Pass. But I have to tell you the views were astounding! At least until the smoke from the Wildland Fires in Canada began drifting in on the wind. Still we enjoyed the drive as the scenery made up for traffic and I think that was a good thing as everyone else was being mindful of traffic and also taking in the views. We arrived at Logan Pass with no parking available and full bladders. So one of us just circled the parking lot and let the others out for some souvenir shopping and bathroom relief and finally we were able to grab a spot after 10-15 mins of circling...We weren't the only ones either so be prepared for that. Though I understand that there is now a reservation system for travel along this road way and may help with the vehicle congestion along the roadways leading from both entrances into Glaciers Going to the Sun roadway. Just be mindful both of traffic and the scenery that practically makes you want to stop, look and take it all in. Entry into the Park was free for us as we had the NP...

First, this opens around the 3rd or 4th week of June. Sometimes it opens earlier, pending on the snow. First of July, most years, you can count on snow being there. If you are going to hike in the area, the best thing to do is either take the shuttle or get here EARLY - before 8 am. The parking lot fills quickly. About around the 2nd week of July when most of the snow clears, the wild flowers are spectacular. There is wildlife in the area - mountain goats, long horned sheep and grizzly bears. Make sure you have plenty of water and prepare for rapid changes in weather. I've been at the pass in the middle of July and had it snow.

Most of the tourists that hike in this area don't bring enough water, sunscreen or extra layers of clothing. They also have the false believe that if a trail is well hiked, there won't be any bears around. That belief will get you killed. The bears use the trails just a often as the humans. SO CARRY BEAR SPRAY AND MAKE NOISE!!! Always give the bears wide berth and yes they can run 35 mph. I seen it. The road closes around the second week in September so plan accordingly.

The area here is gorgeous. Realize you are in the back country and there is NO cell phone reception. So hike responsibly, enjoy the views and the animals...