Logan Pass in Glacier National Park is 6,646 ft above sea level and is open throughout the summer. During winter, it experiences up to 100 feet of snowfall, so it is closed during that time. This is one of North America’s most scenic passes, famous for trekking and backpacking. The most popular trail is the Highline Trail, which travels north along the western edge of the Continental Divide and passes through the Garden Wall. It is named for its abundant summertime wildflowers. Visitors here can expect a pristine wilderness of glacier-carved peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and stunning mountain scenery. Whether you’re a hiker, a nature photographer, or love extraordinary views, Logan Pass Glacier National Park will leave you spellbound.
Where Is Logan Pass In Montana?
Along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass is located in Glacier National Park, Montana. You can reach here by car, which you can park here in the parking. The pass marks the Continental Divide, separating the watersheds that flow to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. If you park here, you can choose any option from a range of hiking trails that lead to incredible alpine scenery. The Logan Pass Visitor Center provides exhibits and a starting point for exploring the area.
When is the Best Time to Visit Logan Pass in Glacier National Park?
The best time to visit Logan Pass is during the summer, from late June to early September when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open. Logan pass weather During summer, daytime ranges from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, with cooler nights and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Visiting in early fall, before the road closes by mid-October, offers fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors, though some services at Logan Pass may be limited.
Heavy snowfall closes the road in the winter and spring, so access to Logan Pass requires skis or snowshoes. Whenever you visit, dress in layers for Logan Pass’ unpredictable alpine weather.
Top Things to Do at Logan Pass
Here are some of the top things to do at logan pass, Montana:
1. Explore the Visitor Center
You can explore the Visitor Center, open for tourists from mid-June to mid-September. The center showcases exhibits on alpine zone plants and animals. You can take the help of Rangers on duty to plan your trip to Glacier National Park. Behind the Visitor Center, you can start a nature trail to Hidden Lake Overlook, which begins as a boardwalk to protect the tundra from human footsteps and continues as a gravel trail.
2. Trekking
The Logan Pass is the highest point along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. One of the best stuff to do in logan Pass is to hike the trails and enjoy the overlook views. Trekking here will give you an incredible chance to see the most astonishing view of Glacier National Park, Montana. These stunning views include glacially carved arรชtes, cirque valleys, and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer. This area is prime for spotting logan pass wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and sometimes grizzly bears.
3. Hike to Hidden Lake
This trail has a boardwalk, which makes the 3-mile journey more simpler. Cross broad meadows, see the stunning Hidden Lake viewpoint, and maybe glimpse some mountain goats. On the walk back, you’ll get a view of Garden Wall. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a popular trail in Logan Pass. Logan Pass Trailhead is 32 miles east of the park’s west gate and 18 miles east of the eastern entrance. The trailhead is located at the Logan Pass Visitors Center.
4. Camping near Logan Pass
While overnight camping at Hidden Lake or along the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is not permitted, you can still enjoy the beauty of Glacier National Park by staying at a nearby legal camping spot. Some of The closest campgrounds are:
Rising Sun Campground:
It is located 25 minutes east and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Avalanche Campground:
It is located 30 minutes west, near Avalanche Lake.
St. Mary Campground:
You can reach the St. Mary Campground within minutes on foot from the Visitor Center. The campground offers amenities like showers and is conveniently located close to the town of St. Mary.
Also, remember that parking at Logan Pass fills up early due to the crowd, so book your parking in advance.
5. Visit St. Mary Falls
The hike to St. Mary Falls begins just across the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop or logan pass parking area. This easy trail is 1.7 miles round-trip with a gentle 150-foot elevation gain, making it perfect for most visitors. Walking along the lakeshore, you’ll pass through rocky outcrops and vibrant wildflower meadows leading to the stunning two-tiered St. Mary Falls. The upper falls cascade 35 feet over a slanted rock face into a small pool, followed by a 25-foot lower drop, creating a breathtaking waterfall display. During peak spring and summer, log bridges may be in place to help cross St. Mary Creek safely. But be cautious with children, especially if the creek is flowing rapidly.
Tips for Visiting and Exploring Logan Pass
- Time your Logan Pass visit for July through early September when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, and the visitor center is operating.
- Try to reach early as the parking lots fill quickly – by 8-9 am on peak summer days.
- The visitor center offers restrooms, exhibits, and ranger programs to help plan your Logan Pass exploration.
- Those with mobility issues can still experience the alpine scenery via the paved nature trails and viewing decks behind the visitor center.
- Alternatively, You can use the free shuttle services from trailheads lower down to access Logan Pass without congestion in private vehicles.
FAQs
Where is Logan Pass located?
Logan Pass is centrally located in Glacier National Park in northwest Montana, approximately 60 miles south of the Canadian border.
What can you do at Logan Pass?
Visitors to Logan Pass can enjoy hiking trails like the iconic Highline Trail, observe wildlife such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep, participate in ranger-led programs, and soak in the breathtaking mountain vistas.
Is there a visitor center at Logan Pass?
Yes, the Logan Pass Visitor Center offers exhibits, restrooms, and a bookstore and serves as a convenient starting point for hikes and activities.
How difficult are the hikes from Logan Pass?
The hiking trails from Logan Pass vary from easy, family-friendly nature walks behind the visitor center to challenging, all-day hikes like the Highline Trail along the Continental Divide.
Are there places to stay right at Logan Pass?
There are no overnight accommodations at Logan Pass itself. However, nearby campgrounds include Rising Sun, Avalanche, and St. Mary Campground, all about 30 minutes away.
How high in elevation is Glacier National Park?
The elevations in Glacier National Park range from around 3,000 feet at the park’s lower borders to 10,466 feet at the summit of Mount Cleveland, with Logan Pass situated at 6,646 feet.