Logan Pass at 6,646 ft is the highest point of Going to the Sun Road. The pass is named after the park’s first superintendent Major William R. Logan. One of his finest contributions to the park was hiring park rangers to create more trails within the park. Today, all of Glacier including Logan Pass is a huge draw for hikers and backpackers.
Arriving at the pass, you’ll notice the at-capacity the parking lot. Luckily, I’m on a motorcycle and that’s not a problem for me. Those traveling by car are advised to hop on a shuttle to avoid the headache of parking entirely.
The smallish visitor center doesn’t offer much, but it’s a fine place to grab a snack or a gift for a friend. I do recommend reading the history of Going to the Sun Road at a display inside.
Visitor Centers offer good recon on the expected weather at different areas of the park that your phone app doesn’t cover. Because the park is plagued by fire during my visit, it’s a good place to get an update in case anything is closed.
This panorama view from the visitor center really shows the wildfire haze blanketing the park here at the end of the season. Although not that classic Glacier postcard photo, the views still impress.
Logan Pass is nestled near many of the park’s peaks. From here you can see Going to the Sun Mountain, Mt. Oberlin, Reynolds Mountain and Bearhat Mountain. Many more peaks come into view as you hike away from the Visitor Center.
Of course, renowned hiking is available all over the park, but here at Logan Pass people mostly find their way to the Hidden Lake Trail and the Highline Trail.
Ranger Programs
12-year-old me would probably never believe that 35-year-old me voluntarily sat and listened to a ranger talk, but here we are. And you know what? Park Rangers are great (unless they’re giving me a speeding ticket).
Ranger Fran told us all about the inhabitants of the park in the Logan Pass area (she’s holding a photo of a Pika). She shared what they eat and what happens when it gets really dire up here in the winter.
Did you know this area of the park often sees over 100 feet of snow fall and has experienced hurricane-force winds? I didn’t. Fran did. What will happen to the Pika if climate change isn’t mitigated? Spolier alert: it’s not good.
Not only were the kids and adults interested in Ranger Fran’s presentation, I suspect these little guys may have learned a thing or two about their own existence.
Ranger programs are a great way to learn a lot about the park from an expert. Check the park guide for details on the available Ranger Programs. Talks can be short or be part of a lengthier program. The guide and posted signs at visitor centers will show you the way.
The Continental Divide
Before hopping back on the motorcycle to continue my journey through Glacier National Park, I had to stop for a photo with the Continental Divide sign.
The Continental Divide is a line of hydrological division. Mostly, waters to the west of here drain to the west; waters to the east of here drain to the east.
The “Great Divide” enters the United States here at Glacier National Park at the border between Glacier and Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park.
Looking west from Logan Pass you’re back to Lake McDonald.
Looking east on Going to the Sun Road, it’s on to St. Mary’s Lake then to Many Glacier and points outside of the park like Waterton Lakes.
Visiting Logan Pass
It’s simple! Pay your entrance fee and follow the only road through Glacier until you see the Logan Pass sign. Many amazing hiking trails start here, so read up and plan your hiking time before you arrive.
Come very early or come very late if you’re driving a car and want a place to park. Otherwise, ride a motorcycle (preferred by this author) or take the frequent park shuttle bus to avoid the headache.
Comments (3)
Will be visiting there in July. Thanks for the info. This is really helpful.
Glad to hear it! Enjoy your visit. Thanks for reading and commenting!
So beautiful .Thanks for the tour