Crowding expected this weekend on Sun Road

Heavy traffic is likely along the west side of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road this weekend, park officials warned Friday.

This weekend the park expects significant congestion in the Lake McDonald Lodge and Avalanche area due to hiker and biker recreation on the Sun Road.

According to a park media release, visitation typically increases as June progresses. Last weekend saw full parking lots and slow moving traffic on the open portion of the Sun Road.

Earlier this week, the road was temporarily closed at the foot of Lake McDonald due to gridlock.

This weekend, with warm weather expected, crowding is expected to increase. People may encounter traffic control in unexpected locations if congestion is extreme.

Other areas of the park have also seen an increase in visitation as summer begins. Bowman Lake parking lot has filled frequently this week, and traffic has been restricted to the North Fork areas of the park at times to prevent gridlock.

Visitors should plan ahead and have a backup itinerary if they encounter a full parking lot. People can check the park’s Recreation Access Display for current conditions.

Many areas in the park are currently posted for bear frequenting. Visitors should carry bear spray and plan for the unexpected including rain, lightning storms, crowding and other events.