The Huckleberry Hiker: July 2020

Friday, July 31, 2020

Search for Missing Hiker in North Fork Area Underway

Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for Barry J. Tragen, a 68-year-old Columbia Falls resident.

Tragen’s vehicle was seen parked at Kintla Lake on Wednesday, July 22. A search effort was initiated by park rangers on July 25 after Tragen did not return. The search effort continues this week in conjunction with Flathead County Search and Rescue and Flathead County K9 teams.

Tragen is five feet, ten inches tall and approximately 220 pounds with gray hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone that may have information or was in the area and saw an individual that fits the description is encouraged to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Hiker Dies on Siyeh Pass Trail in Glacier National Park

On Monday, July 27 at 4:45 pm Glacier National Park received a report that a man had collapsed and was unresponsive on the Siyeh Pass Trail, approximately one mile from the trailhead at Siyeh Bend.

Glacier National Park employees responded from Going-to-the-Sun Road on foot. Other hikers, including the man’s stepson, were performing CPR when National Park Service staff arrived. Rangers also used an automatic external defibrillator (AED) to attempt to resuscitate the victim, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

The 43-year-old man from Waupun, Wisconsin was hiking with his family.

The Glacier County Coroner indicates the death appears to be due to natural causes.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

North Fork Fires in Glacier National Park Still Under Investigation

Glacier National Park and Flathead Crimestoppers are asking the assistance of the public in providing information on multiple suspected arson fires started in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park last week. The North Fork Landowners Association is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of anyone responsible for the fires.

Early in the morning of July 23, a local resident woke rangers at Polebridge Ranger Station reporting a nearby fire. Later, the Numa Ridge fire lookout reported smoke near Ford Creek. Rangers and NPS fire crews eventually found a total of eight fire sites along the Inside North Fork Road between Logging Creek and Kintla Lake. Most had begun in dry logs or brush, but one fire destroyed a historic structure. All the fires were extinguished shortly after being discovered.

The historic Ford Creek patrol cabin was a total loss when rangers arrived on scene. The cabin was built as a “snowshoe cabin” in 1928 and has been used for decades for winter backcountry patrols. The structure was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as having architectural and historic significance, exemplifying the rustic architecture of early park backcountry structures, and the history of Glacier National Park's development and administration. The cabin site is approximately eight miles north of Polebridge on the Inside North Fork Road.

On the evening of July 22, suspicious fires were also reported at the Glacier Gateway Elementary school and at the Summit Mountain Lodge at Marias Pass. Fire investigators are working together to see if those fires may be related.

Anyone witnessing suspicious activity on the night of July 22 or early morning of July 23 in the Polebridge or North Fork area is encouraged to call Flathead Crimestoppers at 406-752-TIPS (8477). All calls remain anonymous. Glacier National Park also has a tip line established, 406-888-7077, if you would like to talk with a park ranger.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Monday, July 27, 2020

Flathead National Forest Investigates Oil Dumping

The Flathead National Forest is seeking information about an oil dumping incident in the Swan Lake Ranger District on Crane Mountain.

Forest Service staff learned of the incident after detailed reports from the concerned public and discovered multiple 50 gallon and 250 gallon containers. They contained substances that appeared to be oil and other potentially hazardous chemicals. Many of the barrels were leaking and substances were running down the hillside coating huckleberry bushes and other vegetation.

The Forest is coordinating with local hazardous materials experts to determine appropriate clean-up activities.

“We have many resources in the county to properly dispose of hazardous materials,” said Swan Lake District Ranger Chris Dowling. “Dumping them in a national forest not only costs taxpayers considerably more to clean up, but also has the potential to damage our ecosystem and recreation opportunities.”

People with information about the incident should call the Flathead National Forest Law Enforcement Office at 406-758-5297. Information can be reported anonymously.

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Video: Woman plays dead to avoid bison attack

In case you missed this video that went viral this past week, here's your chance to see the woman that played dead to avoid a bison attack. Fortunately for her she tripped as she tried to out-run a charging bison in Yellowstone National Park:

As always, the park asks visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison, and to move away if any approach your way.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Friday, July 24, 2020

Food-Conditioned Black Bear Euthanized

For public safety, a black bear was euthanized yesterday in Grand Teton National Park. The decision to remove the bear from the population was based on recent activities in which the bear exhibited no fear of humans and was approaching humans looking for food. The bear was highly food conditioned and routinely visiting campsites and picnic tables and approaching vehicles in the Jenny Lake and String Lake areas.

On Wednesday, July 22, the bear walked into an occupied campsite of a family with children and went directly to the picnic table and began eating the campers’ food that was set out. Park staff immediately responded to the scene. The campers were relocated to another site and the area was closed so the bear could be safely captured. The bear was trapped and killed Thursday evening. The female bear weighed about 60 pounds and was estimated to be about 1.5 years old.

Grizzly and black bears thrive in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller Jr., Memorial Parkway. Visitors may encounter a bear anywhere and at any time. Wildlife are wild and unpredictable. Feeding wildlife in a national park is illegal and presents severe risks to the animal and to humans.

The proper storage of food items and responsible picnicking are vitally important in bear country. Odors attract bears into campgrounds and picnic areas. Picnickers should only have immediate use items out so that if a bear approaches, food items can be quickly gathered and the opportunity for the bear to receive a food reward is removed. Visitors should store food and scented items in bear-resistant food lockers that are located throughout the park or in a hard-sided vehicle. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter in campsites.

For more information about safely recreating in bear country, visit https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bearsafety.htm.

Glacier National Park Investigating Suspicious North Fork Fires

Glacier National Park is currently investigating several fire starts in the North Fork area. All fires are contained and do not pose a threat.

Park officials received a report of multiple wildland fires early Thursday morning which led to a multi-agency response from local county, state, and federal agencies consisting of wildland fire crews, hotshot crews, engine crews, and law enforcement.

One of the fires included the historic 1928 Ford Creek patrol cabin used by rangers for winter patrols. The structure is a total loss.

The fires are suspicious in nature and currently under investigation. Several investigators are on the ground, along with the FBI and NPS-Investigative Services Branch assisting remotely.

Portions of the park are closed due to the investigation, including Inside North Fork Road from Polebridge to Logging Creek, and Kintla Road beyond the Bowman Lake turnoff.

If members of the public witnessed any suspicious activity on the night of July 22 or early morning of July 23, they are encouraged to call the Glacier NP tip line at 406-888-7077 and leave a message.

Glacier would like to thank the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, US Forest Service Hungry Horse and Tally Lake Districts, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Evergreen Fire Department, and the North Fork community residents for their assistance.

No further details are available at this time.

Glacier National Park Identifies Victim of Fall

Glacier National Park has identified the victim of a climbing accident in the Logan Pass area on the evening of Tuesday, July 21 as 20-year-old Josh Yarrow of Wichita, Kansas. Yarrow was spending the summer working for a local business in the West Glacier area.

Yarrow was mountain climbing off-trail in the area referred to as the Dragon's Tail, southwest of Mount Reynolds. He was attempting to retrieve a fallen backpack at the time of the accident. His fall of approximately 500 feet was witnessed by a climbing partner who went for help. Glacier National Park rangers received the report of the accident at 7:46 pm and immediately initiated a search and rescue operation.

Two Bear Air’s rescue helicopter was able to get to the victim and confirm that he had died. The body was recovered by Two Bear Air.

Glacier National Park officials remind visitors that off-trail hiking and mountain climbing are inherently dangerous activities due to extremely rugged and steep terrain. Hikers and climbers will encounter steep snowfields and loose rocks along many of the climbing routes within the park.

This incident was the second rescue mission in the Logan Pass area within the past week. On Wednesday, July 16th a climber was injured after sliding down a snowfield near the saddle on Mt Oberlin. Falls while hiking and climbing, along with drowning, are the leading causes of accidental death in Glacier National Park.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Glacier National Park Decides Not to Implement Ticketed Entry System

After careful consideration, discussion, and with input from park staff, local businesses, and parks already implementing similar systems, Glacier National Park officials have decided not to implement the proposed temporary ticketed vehicle entry.

On June 27, park officials learned that access across the Blackfeet Reservation would remain closed for the summer due to COVID-19. Staff immediately began to explore implementing a ticketed entry system similar to what Yosemite National Park implemented this year. Since the park opened on June 8, Glacier has seen high levels of congestion on the west side of the park due to other areas being closed, fewer recreational opportunities, and limited services.

Over the past three weeks Superintendent Jeff Mow has engaged with over 100 businesses around the park to hear their questions and comments about implementing a ticketed entry system. Mow also met with park officials at other parks that have implemented reservation type services and discussed at length their experiences. After considering input from many sources and the uncertainty of upcoming conditions, park officials decided that the timing isn’t right to implement a ticketed entry system this summer.

“We heard support for a reservation system from community constituents because they know the park is at maximum capacity,” said Mow. “But there were serious concerns about implementing such a system with such short notice and midway through the visitor season.”

Visitors are reminded that the park is very busy and can be very congested throughout the summer months. The park may still have to implement visitor use restrictions to protect public health and safety and to provide for social distancing opportunities. Visitors are encouraged to check the online Recreation Access Display (RAD), the park’s webcams, and the park’s Twitter account for current conditions.

“This continues to be a summer like no other. It is uncertain if visitation will continue to increase or how COVID-19 may require us to change how the park is managed for visitors,” said Mow. “As we have for the last several weeks, our goal is to provide the best visitor experience under these challenging and uncertain conditions.”

With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Glacier National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery Glacier has to offer. If you do plan to visit Glacier this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Group Causes Significant Damage to Historic Hay Field in Grand Teton

National Park Service investigators are looking for information related to activities that caused significant resource damage along historic Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park recently.

Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a call at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, about a group of people riding dirt bikes in an open field and operating a drone along Mormon Row in the park. According to the reporting party, and a video captured via cell phone (seen here), approximately 50 people were there with an organized dirt bike event. The group began to breakdown the course and load the mini bikes as the reporting party called the park and recorded their activities. Park rangers immediately responded to the scene, but the group already left the area. What remained is approximately 1,000 feet of track that is two to ten feet in width. This event was not authorized and caused significant resource damage.

The historic hay fields along Mormon Row are part of a ten-year project that started in 2014 to remove the non-native grasses and replant the area with 37 species of native plants to restore the site to sagebrush steppe habitat. The investment in the habitat restoration represents several years of effort to collect native seed and treat invasive plants prior to seeding the native species. This area is important habitat for elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, sage grouse, and a variety of other wildlife, which all depend on sagebrush steppe habitat. The area that was damaged by the dirt bikes was reseeded in 2019. This project is a collaborative effort between the National Park Service, Grand Teton National Park Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Teton Conservation District.

Operating a motor vehicle off roadways is a violation and subject to a fine up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. Additionally, the System Unit Resource Protection Act provides that any person or instrumentality that destroys, causes the loss of or injures, of any National Park Service resource is liable for response costs and damages.

Anyone with information that could help identify any of the individuals involved or was in the area around 8 p.m. on July 18 and can provide any information regarding this activity, please contact call or text the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or email. Information can be provided anonymously.

Man Dies After Falling in Glacier National Park

A climbing accident resulted in a fatality when a 20-year-old male fell from a ridge known as the Dragon’s Tail in Glacier National Park on Tuesday evening.

The Dragon's Tail is a steep, off-trail climbing route southwest of Mount Reynolds near Logan Pass. The climber fell several hundred feet toward Hidden Lake around 7:30 pm. Search and rescue efforts began immediately after Glacier National Park dispatchers received the report of his fall. Two Bear Air located the man, determined he was deceased, and recovered the body.

The park has not released the identity of the man, pending family notification.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Expect detours and delays at Old Faithful in Yellowstone

Expect detours and delays at Old Faithful until further notice.

Traffic is currently being routed around the Old Faithful Overpass Bridge due to safety concerns. The National Park Service is evaluating the condition of the bridge.

Travelers can still access Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, lodges, stores, the clinic, and gas station. If you are not traveling directly to Old Faithful, consider alternate routes due to delays throughout the area. You can find current road status on the park website or by calling (307) 344-2117. To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

Visit the park Road Construction page for details about 2020 road construction projects.

Friday, July 17, 2020

Highline Trail Update

Glacier National Park just posted this on their Facebook page:

Our trail crew supervisors patrolled the trail yesterday to assess the work that needs to happen before it can be opened. They are reporting very hazardous snow in several places. While there are often snow drifts along the trail, these drifts are unusually large for this time of the year. For now, the section of trail between Logan Pass and the Grinnell Glacier Overlook Spur Trail will remain closed. Visitors can still reach Granite Park Chalet and the Grinnell Glacier Overlook from the Loop.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Fire Danger Increased to High in Grand Teton

Teton Interagency fire managers announce the fire danger rating has been elevated to high for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, and remaining portions of the Teton Interagency Dispatch area. The potential for fire activity has increased due to summer curing of vegetation combined with hot temperatures and dry, windy conditions.

A high fire danger rating means fires can start easily and spread quickly. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are quickly extinguished.

When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs, and trees; projected weather conditions including temperatures and possible wind events; the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and availability of firefighting resources across the country.

In areas where campfires are allowed, fires should never be unattended and must be completely extinguished. The charred remains of a campfire must be repeatedly doused with water and stirred into the campfire ring in order to be completely extinguished. All embers and logs should be broken up. Campers should “cold trail” the remains of the fire, which refers to carefully placing the back of your hand near the ashes and campfire debris to feel for any remaining heat before leaving the site.

Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at TetonFires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Monday, July 13, 2020

Grand Teton Park Rangers Rescue Three Hikers

Grand Teton National Park staff rescued three injured hikers over the past weekend. All backcountry hikers and climbers are strongly encouraged to be prepared for their respective recreational activity, including knowledge about the current conditions, required skills and experience, and wayfinding skills to safety navigate the route.

This past weekend Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a call regarding an injured hiker above the three-mile junction on the Amphitheater Lake Trail on Saturday, July 11 at about 2:15 p.m. Jeremy Fraser, 31 years of age from New York, New York, was hiking when he had a misstep and injured his lower leg and was unable to move on his own. A backcountry ranger in the area responded, attended to the injury and determined Fraser would need to be transported to the Lupine Meadows parking area by trail wheel litter. Additional backcountry rangers arrived on scene about 3:30 p.m. with medical gear and equipment. Fraser was secured in a wheel litter and transported to the trailhead. His hiking partner transported Fraser to St. John’s Heath in Jackson.

A few hours later on Saturday, July 11, Teton Interagency Dispatch receive another emergency call about 7:30 p.m. regarding an injured hiker who fell about 500 feet down steep snow on the east slopes of Paintbrush Divide. Samantha Edgcombe and Mackenzie Finton, both 19 years of age and from Grand Blanc, Michigan, were hiking from Cascade Canyon to Paintbrush Canyon over Paintbrush Divide when they each slipped on snow and slid, crashing into large rocks. Another hiker in the area called for help and provided a GPS location. Initially it was believed only one of the hikers was significantly injured, but both were. The Teton Interagency Helicopter transported two rangers to the area and each hiker was short-hauled with a ranger to Lupine Meadows, and then transported via park ambulance to St. John’s Health Care.

Hiking areas such as the Teton Crest Trail, Alaska Basin, Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop, or any other loop involving higher elevation mountain passes still involve a large amount of snow travel. Appropriate footwear and an ice axe are mandatory. Expect snow travel above 9,500 feet and difficulty navigating snow-covered trails at higher elevations.

Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation wins top Forest Service award

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, the nonprofit partner that coordinates with the Forest Service in stewardship of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, was recently honored by USDA Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen with the Chief’s 2019 “Enduring Service” award.

In total, more than 73 nominations in five categories were considered nationally for the 2019 USDA Forest Service Volunteer and Service Award that recognizes public contributions to citizen stewardship & partnerships, cultural diversity, enduring service, and leadership and restoration on behalf of the agency’s mission.

The Foundation serves five ranger districts on the Flathead, Lolo, and Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forests. In 2019, Foundation volunteers maintained 750 miles of trail, nearly 40% of all wilderness complex trails. Its 318 volunteers contributed $401,858 in value last year alone, clearing 3,389 trees and brushing 213 miles of trail. They reduced erosion by maintaining 372 trail drainage structures, and worked to improve big game habitat by spraying or hand-pulling invasive weeds on 102 acres.

Established in 1996, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF) has sustained over 2,000 miles of trail access into the third largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 states for the last 24 years. The Foundation was created to save a world-class trail network from deterioration and abandonment. In 1996, 600 miles of the original 2,500-mile trail network had already been lost.

“The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is an outstanding partner,” said Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele. “This is a prime example of what can be accomplished through collaboration between the public sector and a great nonprofit organization that benefits and serves the American people by enhancing how our public lands are used and enjoyed.”

“This year, ‘The Bob’ turns 80,” said Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Executive Director Bill Hodge. “I am honored to be joined by hundreds of volunteers, donors from across Montana and around the world, and an incredibly dedicated staff, to serve the public and carry on the mission of this organization in years ahead.”

This is one of two Volunteer and Service awards given to the Northern Region of the Forest Service this year. The other was for the Custer Gallatin National Forest in the Citizen Stewardship and Partnership category.

Nationally, volunteers contributed 4.8 million hours valued at $122 million - equivalent to 2,662 full time employees or nearly 10 percent of the USDA Forest Service’s permanent workforce.

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Trail Runner Collides With Grizzly Bear in Glacier

A Kalispell woman in her thirties collided with what is believed to be a young grizzly bear while trail running on Huckleberry Lookout Trail. She was able to walk back down the trail with friends and met the rangers just as they arrived at the trailhead. The woman self-transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for further treatment and evaluation.

The woman sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries to the head and arm. The surprise encounter occurred on Saturday, July 11 in the morning hours, about four miles down Huckleberry Lookout Trail, and was reported to dispatch at 9:00 am. The woman was running the trail with two other people and was the lead runner when she and the bear collided. The woman and the bear tumbled together off the trail. Once separated, the bear ran off.

Rangers checked the scene and determined it was a surprise encounter with no further issues. There are no other reports of the bear or additional encounters on the trail. Rangers posted the trail for bear frequenting but have not closed the trail.

The last injury by a grizzly bear was on August 27, 2016 when a park employee, while off duty picking huckleberries in the Swiftcurrent Valley, surprised what was believed to be a grizzly bear. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries to the leg and hands.

Visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears. Trail running in grizzly habitat is dangerous because runners traveling quickly and quietly through bear habitat have a higher risk of surprising grizzly bears at close range. Glacier National Park discourages trail running in order to protect the public and the bears.

Hikers are highly encouraged to hike in groups, make noise when hiking, and have bear spray accessible and know how to use it. For information on trail closures in the park, visit the park’s trail status webpage.

It is especially important that visitors keep campgrounds and developed areas clean and free of food and trash. Regulations require that all edibles, food containers, and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker when not in use, day or night. Place all trash in bear-proof containers. Do not burn waste in fire rings or leave litter around your camp. Fire rings should be free of trash before vacating a campsite.

For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit the park’s bear safety webpage.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Glacier’s Adaptive Operations Recovery Continues with Partial Opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road

In keeping with Glacier National Park’s adaptive operations recovery, the Going-to-the-Sun Road will open to motorized vehicles from the west entrance to Logan Pass and as far as Rising Sun on July 13, pending any last-minute changes due to weather.

Due to the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council’s resolution restricting non-essential travel on the reservation, the east entrance at St. Mary remains closed. Visitors will need to enter and exit Going-to-the-Sun Road via the west entrance. Traffic will be allowed as far as Rising Sun on the east side.

This week, the park resumed collecting fees at the gate. Please allow for extra time in case of long lines.

Park road crews have finished snow removal, assessed current snow conditions, removed rocks and other road debris, installed guard rails, prepared Logan Pass facilities and started the water system for visitor use.

There will be sporadic work zones on Going-to-the-Sun Road with traffic control and flaggers, including ongoing spillway work along Lake McDonald, guard wall repair near Triple Arches, and seepage repair at Siyeh Bend. Visitors need to be on the lookout for multiple work zones.

Services at Logan Pass will include restroom facilities and potable water. Visitor information services will be provided outside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center from 9 am – 4 pm daily. The Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be operating inside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center, with access at the upper level. The bookstore will be accepting credit cards only and will limit the number of people inside at any one time to enable appropriate social distancing.

Services at Rising Sun Motor Inn will include the campstore and public restrooms from 8am to 8pm. The Two Dog Flats restaurant will be providing "on-the-go" food service from 11am to 6pm. A water bottle filling station is available. The overnight lodging and public showers are closed for the season. The Rising Sun Campground is currently closed. Visitors should also leave West Glacier with a full tank of gas, as there are no gas services at Rising Sun.

There will be no bus tours on the Going-to-the-Sun Road or in other areas of the park this year due to COVID-19. This includes interpretive tours by Sun Tours and Glacier National Park Lodges (red buses). The park’s fare-free summer shuttle system is also not available this year.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, and wider than 8 feet, are prohibited on the Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass due to rock overhangs.

Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle safety restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun-Road are in effect, and remain in effect through Labor Day, September 7. Bicycles are prohibited between the Apgar turnoff near the Apgar Picnic Area and Sprague Creek Campground from 11 am to 4 pm. Bicycles are prohibited eastbound (uphill) between Logan Creek and Logan Pass from 11 am to 4 pm. Information on bicycle restrictions and average bicycle times may be found in the park newspaper available at park entrance stations, or online on the park’s bicycle information webpage. This is the last weekend hiker/bikers will have car-free access on the portion of the road past Avalanche Creek.

While driving along the road, particularly through the Rim Rock area (approximately one mile west of Logan Pass) visitors should be aware of possible rockfall and should not stop in this section. Rocks and other debris continue to fall throughout the summer, requiring daily clean up.

The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is still closed due to hazardous snow conditions. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the park’s trail status webpage.

With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Glacier National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery Glacier has to offer. If you do plan to visit Glacier this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Video: Jenny Lake Renewal Project Completed

As many of you are already aware, the multi-year Jenny Lake Renewal Project in Grand Teton National Park was finally completed last fall. Below is a short video from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation that highlights what visitors will experience moving forward. The popular Jenny Lake area provides access to some of the best hikes in the park, including Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon, as well as the loop hike around Jenny Lake:

Jenny Lake Renewal Project Completed in Grand Teton National Park from GTNP Foundation on Vimeo.

With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the Tetons have to offer. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Volunteers needed to gather information on Pole Mountain Gateways trails

The USDA Forest Service, Laramie Ranger District, is requesting public involvement to inform long-term management of non-motorized recreation on the Pole Mountain unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest. Two volunteer days are scheduled, and an interactive web site is online, in preparation for the large-scale analysis referred to as the Pole Mountain Gateways project.

Proceeding the project and public meetings this fall, the Forest Service has partnered with Common Outdoor Ground (COG), a community organization in southeast Wyoming, to utilize volunteers and assess non-system trail conditions this summer using a consistent approach.

The University of Wyoming Ruckelshaus Institute is also assisting the Forest Service with pre-project information gathering and is working with COG to provide multiple opportunities for the public to participate.

Common Outdoor Ground will be coordinating two trail assessment days in coming weeks, Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 19. On those days, volunteers will be asked to hike, bike, or ride non-system trails and utilize GPS units to gather information on those trails. Participants will need to have knowledge of non-system trails in two general areas of interest: north of Wyoming Highway 210 (July 11) and south of Highway 210 (July 19). Specific locations for desired mapping will be established at event check-in.

No more than 20 individuals are needed for each day and those interested in participating will need to sign up in advance for one of two GPS unit/orientation pick-up timeslots: 8-9 a.m. or 9-10 a.m. Check-in on July 11 will be at Tie City Trailhead and on July 19 at the Vedauwoo fee booth. All volunteers will be asked to wear a mask during check-in. Register on the COG website.

Non-system trails are neither maintained or designated by the Forest Service, but may exist on the landscape for many reasons, such as use by livestock and wild game, old roadbeds, or user-created routes pioneered by recreationists. Such trails will be analyzed for some form of future management action during the Pole Mountain Gateways project.

In addition to the volunteer days, the Ruckelshaus Institute has coordinated with WyGISC to produce an online mapping tool for the project. Within the web site, Forest users can input information relevant to the upcoming Gateways project, such as preferred access points, photos, suggestions for signage and infrastructure, maintenance needs, trail conditions, and so on. Data will be collected all summer long and members of the public can contribute at their convenience. The web site will serve to provide information and give updates about the upcoming project, as well as provide details about how to use the mapping tool. Social media sites will also be created for the pre-project analysis, information-gathering effort.

Users are encouraged to engage in their activities with these driving questions in mind: What do you value about Pole Mountain? What do you want Pole Mountain to look like in 10, 20, and/or 50 years?

The Forest Service and Ruckelshaus Institute are in conversations about re-structuring public meetings for fall 2020 or considering creative alternatives to in-person events. Check the project website and social media pages for regular updates.

The pre-project public meetings are planned to help establish a starting point for the Forest Service environmental analysis of the entire Pole Mountain administrative unit. Trails, facilities, parking, signage and other aspects of non-motorized recreation will all be reviewed by the analysis.

The project has been named Pole Mountain Gateways to reflect the area’s designation as a Wyoming Forest Gateway Community Priority Area, which resulted from implementation of the National Trails Stewardship Act.

For details on the Pole Mountain area, contact the Laramie Ranger District at (307) 745-2300.

Friday, July 3, 2020

Glacier National Park Reminders for July 4 Weekend

Glacier National Park is providing a few reminders to help visitors have a safe and enjoyable July 4 weekend.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to Avalanche Creek for vehicular traffic. Road crews will not be working during the holiday which allows hikers and bikers to travel all the way to Logan Pass. The visitor center will not be open but vault toilets will be available.

Hikers/bikers should use extreme caution if they travel past The Loop to Logan Pass. Recent rainfall has caused an increase in rocks and mud slides on the road. Be cautious when biking around hidden corners, as there may be rocks in the road. Although road crews are not working, administrative park vehicles will still be traveling to Logan Pass. Please stay to the shoulder when hiking or biking in case vehicles approach.

The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is still closed due to hazardous snow conditions.

While the road is open to Avalanche Creek, portions of the road are being closed daily as parking reaches capacity at Avalanche and the Lake McDonald Lodge. Visitors should expect traffic restrictions and delays during daylight hours.

Visitors to the North Fork area should also expect road restrictions to Kintla and Bowman Lakes when parking in those areas is filled. The Bowman Lake Trail is open but posted as hazardous due to downed trees two miles from the backcountry campground. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the Park’s trail status webpage.

Backcountry permits are available at the Apgar Backcountry Permit office and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Visitors should be aware that fireworks are illegal in Glacier National Park. Rangers will also be stepping up DUI enforcement efforts over the holiday weekend.

The east side of the park remains closed. This includes access to Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Cut Bank Creek and St. Mary. All trailheads that begin on the east side of the Continental Divide remain closed. If visitors travel through the Blackfeet Reservation on the way to the West Glacier entrance to the park, please be mindful of the tribe’s request for face coverings and gloves when frequenting businesses such as gas stations, and check the Blackfeet COVID-19 Incident Command Facebook page for updates.

A map of the areas in the Park that are open can be viewed here:

Visitors are encouraged to check the Glacier National Park website, Twitter, Facebook and Recreation Access Display (RAD) to receive updates regarding park status.

With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Glacier National Park. In fact, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery Glacier has to offer. If you do plan to visit Glacier this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Responsible Recreation Encouraged at String Lake

Beginning this holiday weekend, Grand Teton National Park staff will implement measures to promote the health and safety of visitors, employees and volunteers at String Lake by encouraging social distancing and appropriate food storage practices.

String Lake is one of the most popular areas in the park for gathering and recreation. During peak summer visitation, designated parking spots are filled between mid-morning and late afternoon, and overflow parking occurs along nearby roadsides. The lake shoreline also quickly fills with visitors and their picnic supplies and recreation equipment.

Social distancing to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is more difficult at String Lake given its relatively narrow and limited shoreline, compared to other lakes in the park like Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake where there is more space for people to socially distance.

In an effort to follow local and national public health guidance related to large gatherings, parking will only be allowed in designated areas at String Lake over the holiday weekend. Limited parking will help manage the number of people in the area and allow opportunities for preventative measures related to COVID-19. When the designated parking areas at String Lake are full, no additional parking will be available.

The String Lake area is frequented by a variety of wildlife. There are several bear-resistant food storage lockers in the area for visitors to properly store food and scented items. Many visitors that picnic along String Lake bring large meals and associated items, regularly filling the food lockers beyond capacity. Visitors are encouraged to bring a smaller volume of food and drinks and store food items in a hard-sided vehicle when food lockers are full. Picnickers should only have immediate use items out so that if wildlife approaches, food items can be quickly gathered and the opportunity for an animal to receive a food reward is removed.

Park visitors are encouraged to arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds. If an area is crowded, please consider an alternate area or activity. Follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out what you bring in, including all trash and left-over food, and inspecting the area you visited before you leave. 

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Dust Abatement Activities on Moose-Wilson Road July 7-9

The unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park will be temporarily closed for seasonal dust abatement beginning 4 a.m. Tuesday, July 7 and will reopen by 8 a.m. Thursday, July 9. This routine dust abatement application happens several times during the summer on the approximately one-mile of unpaved section of the seven-mile road.

During the dust abatement application July 7-9, motorists and bicyclists should plan to use an alternate route as this temporary closure will prevent making a ‘through trip’ on the Moose-Wilson Road between the Granite Canyon Entrance Station and the Teton Park Road at Moose, Wyoming.

For those wishing to reach the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve parking area or Death Canyon Trailhead, access will be possible by traveling south from the Teton Park Road Junction near the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

Electronic signs will be placed on Wyoming Highway 390 to alert park visitors and local residents of the scheduled road closure. For travelers heading south to Teton Village from the Moose area, signs will also be placed near the junction of the Teton Park Road.

The product used for dust abatement is a slurry of magnesium chloride, the same product that is used to treat dirt roads in and around Jackson Hole. This product coats the road surface, but it can also adhere to the undercarriage of vehicles. Motorists who drive the unpaved portion of the Moose-Wilson Road after it reopens on Thursday may want to rinse off their vehicles to eliminate any residue.

Roadwork schedules may change, or be delayed, due to weather conditions, equipment malfunction, or other extenuating circumstances.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Body of Missing Man Found Near Polebridge

Glacier National Park just announced on their Twitter account that the body of missing man they were seeking was found today:

The body of a missing Pocatello man was found in Glacier National Park early this afternoon. George Calvin Adams, whose vehicle was discovered on Inside North Fork Road in Glacier National Park on Monday, June 29, was found in the Hidden Meadows area south of Polebridge.

Glacier National Park Search and Rescue was joined by the Flathead County Sheriff Search and Rescue and Two Bear Air Rescue for the search. Two Bear discovered and recovered the deceased. Cause of death is currently unknown.

A Reminder as Independence Day Weekend Approaches

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the National Elk Refuge, or in Sublette and Teton counties in Wyoming. These fireworks regulations play a critical role in fire prevention.

The Teton Interagency Fire Area is currently under “moderate” fire danger rating. A moderate fire danger rating means fires can start from most accidental causes. Unattended campfires and brush fires have potential to escape, especially on windy days in dry, open areas. Despite the precipitation the area has received recently, conditions will rapidly return to receptive fuels with sun and windy conditions returning in the forecast. When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs, trees, and dead and downed materials; projected weather conditions including temperatures and possible wind events; the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and availability of firefighting resources both locally and nationally.

As recently as last Saturday, June 27, Teton interagency firefighters were called to an abandoned campfire. The Flat Creek 2 Fire was one-tenth of an acre and located 7 miles north of Jackson on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. It was controlled the same day due to favorable conditions and a quick response. Please help in preventing unnecessary fires.

When enjoying a campfire, remember it should always remain attended and must be completely extinguished before leaving. Simply pouring water on the remains of a fire is not sufficient. The charred remains must be repeatedly doused with water and stirred into the campfire ring. All embers and logs, not just the red ones, should be broken up and covered with dirt. Before leaving the area, the campfire remains must be cold to the touch.

Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at TetonFires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.