Glacier Park plans to close Swiftcurrent area fall 2024 for improvements

Glacier National Park is proposing to close the Swiftcurrent developed area in Many Glacier from the fall of 2024 until the spring of 2026 in order to upgrade the parking area, rehabilitate the roadway and replace the water system.

The closure would include the entire 2025 summer season. It would include the rental cabins there, the Many Glacier campground and the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. The closure would start Sept. 30, 2024. It would reopen in spring, 2026.

There would still be access to the popular trail system, which includes access to Iceberg Lake and the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, the park said. Folks trying to access trailheads would have to hike a bit farther, however, as the Swiftcurrent Pass and Iceberg Lake trailheads proper would close, but they would be accessible via the horse trail that runs to the Many Glacier Hotel area.

The Grinnell Glacier Trail would also still be accessible at the Many Glacier Hotel.

The project would not impact operation of the Many Glacier Hotel or the area around the hotel.

When completed, the plan would add additional parking along the roadway and parking improvements in the loop area where the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead is.

A full environmental review is expected this winter.

The water system dates back to the 1960s and requires frequent repair. It serves the campground as well as the ranger station and other amenities in the valley.

The road improvements include a better parking scheme and walking paths that are separate from the roadway.

People can learn more at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/Swiftcurrent.

Public comments on the plan can be made on the page links or in writing by mail at:

Superintendent, Glacier National Park

Attn: Swiftcurrent Developed Area Proposal

PO Box 128

West Glacier, MT 59936

Comments are due by July 30.