After flooding, Glacier getting back to normal, Highline, Ptarmigan Tunnel trails open
CHRIS PETERSON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months AGO
The idyllic Jackson Creek overflowed its banks during the flooding at the end of June and early July, but only caused minor flooding. (Chris Peterson photo)
Chris Peterson is the editor of the Hungry Horse News. He covers Columbia Falls, the Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. All told, about 4 million acres of the best parts of the planet. He can be reached at [email protected] or 406-892-2151. | July 8, 2026 7:35 AM
Some popular high country trails in Glacier National Park remain closed due to damage from flooding last week, though most other services are back to normal.
Heavy rains closed the alpine section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road from 2 p.m. Sunday June 28 until just before 5 p.m. June 30 when the road reopened in its entire length.
The Many Glacier Valley was also evacuated due to flooding and the hotels reopened June 30 as well.
The flooding also forced the closure of all trails in Many Glacier, but many have since reopened, at least in the lower elevations.
There are some popular connecting routes for backcountry users that were still closed. The Swiftcurrent Pass Trail beyond the head of Bullhead Lake remains closed. The Iceberg-Ptarmigan Tunnel trail reopened, but the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail is closed to stock.
The Poia Lake Trail is open to Poia Lake campground, but closed over Redgap Pass due to flood damage as well.
The Piegan Pass Trail, which connects Many Glacier with the Sun Road, has reopened, however. Hikers can also get to Cracker Lake, as that trail has reopened. In addition, people can also boat in Many Glacier, though their craft require a mandatory aquatic invasive species inspection. Commercial boat tours have also reopened in Many Glacier.
In addition to flooding closures, bears and other hazards have closed other trails in Glacier. All told 18 trails are closed in the park, but the Highline Trail opened for the season on Tuesday.
From June 26 to July 1 there were some impressive rainfall totals. West Flattop in Glacier saw 5 inches, the Noisy Basin in the Jewel Basin saw 6.7 inches, West Glacier 3.48 inches, Many Glacier 4.3 inches and Goat Haunt 6.48 inches. Hungry Horse Dam, however, saw 1.99 inches. Columbia Falls had 2.86 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather through this weekend should be largely warm and dry with highs in the 80s to near 90 by the weekend.
Streams are still running high though, but have cleared and caution should be used around them as Glacier’s waters are deceptively fast and very cold.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the park.
To check on the most up-to-date trail conditions, visit: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trailstatusreports.htm
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