Montana Raft Company has generously offered to donate 50% of the proceeds from their July 15th 3:15 p.m. launch to the Glacier National Park Fund to help support educational projects in Glacier National Park.

Reservations are required.  Options are:

• a 1/2 day rafting adventure for $52.43/adult and $41.73/ child (ages 6-12) or

a 1/2 day rafting adventure with a cook-out dinner & non-alcoholic beverages afterwards for $68.48/adult and $54.57/child (ages 6-12)

Call Montana Raft 406-387-5555 for reservations and directions!

BYOB and food…fireworks provided by us! All welcome.

Saturday, June 23rd, the Montana Raft Company is hosting their 16th annual Rafting for Refuse Day.  This free event begins at 9:30 am at Montana Raft Company, 11970 US HWY 2, West Glacier.  There will be a short educational session on Leave No Trace skills/ethics at 10 am.  Preregistered participants will then clean up trash along the river and at public river access points on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. This year they are helping to promote the national Leave No Trace program, a non-profit organization that teaches and encourages minimal impact while participating in outdoor activities.  Donations to this program are suggested, but not required.  All the necessary equipment for rafting will be provided along with professional guides and van support. Volunteers should bring work gloves, water bottle and change of clothes. After the cleanup, stay for volleyball and a complimentary barbecue. For more info and to make a reservation, contact Montana Raft Company at  406-387-5555, or info@glacierguides.com.  Must be 12 or older.  Reservations are required.

–

Corrie Holloway

corrie@glacierguides.com

Entrance fees to Glacier National Park and the nearly 400 National Park Sites across the country will be waived during National Park Week, April 21-29.
Everyone, specifically families, are encouraged to take advantage of the free entrance to get outside and explore or just “take in” the natural beauty of the park.   Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright said, “This annual celebration is a great opportunity to experience spring at the park and view the many birds that migrate to or through the park at this time of year.”
Currently, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to motorized traffic from the West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge and from the St. Mary Entrance to Rising Sun.  Hiker/biker access is available for 5.5 miles from the Lake McDonald Gate to Avalanche while the road plow is working.  This weekend, April 21-22, no restrictions are anticipated for hiker/biker access on the west side or east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.  The Camas Road is open and the Two Medicine Road on the east side is currently open to Running Eagle Falls.
Weather conditions in the park can vary greatly from local valley locations, and road status can change depending on weather conditions and snow plowing activities. Park visitors are highly encouraged to plan ahead and visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm., or contact the park at             406-888-7800       for updated road conditions, plowing status and weather conditions.  Visitors may also visit the park’s Facebook page to stay connected with the park.   Additional entrance fee-free dates during the year will be June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend).
An annual Glacier National Park pass for unlimited access to the park for one year from time of purchase of the pass is available for $35.  Other passes with America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program are also available.  US citizens 62 years of age and older may purchase a lifetime pass for $10, and citizens with a permanent disability may obtain a free lifetime pass.  An annual pass available for $80 allows free entrance to federally operated recreation sites across the county, including many National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management sites.  For more information or to purchase a pass, please contact the park at             406-888-7800      .  Any of the annual passes may also be obtained from the West Entrance Station during the weekend, 8 am to 4:30 p.m. or at the Headquarters Building, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Alaska Airlines

Explore the great outdoors before the crowds with Alaska Airlines and save 20% for up to 7 people! Travel between any U.S. or Canada city served by Alaska Airlines and Kalispell.Travel Tuesday-Thursday, and Saturday between May 1 and June 9, 2012. Book by April 22, 2012. Blackout dates, taxes, and fees apply. See site for details.