Glacier National Park Logistics

Tickets for Going-to-the-Sun Road and Polebridge Ranger Station May through September

Lodging, Campgrounds, Wilderness Camping, and other Permits

What is the phone number for the park? The phone is 406-888-7800 (this is the number listed on the NPS website as of 12/29/2021) and then listen to the message and key in your response. Early in the season expect a 1 to 3 day wait for your call to be returned.

Is there long term parking at Lake McDonald Lodge? Yes, park at the lodge. There are no designated spots for overnight parking. Any normal parking space is fine.

What food is available at Two Medicine Lake? There is a camp store that has an assortment of food and camping items.

Where can I buy bear spray? There are many locations and alternatives. The camp stores in the national parks, such as the store at Two Medicine stock bear spray though it usually more expensive than in town. Also people are know to give it away or sell it inexpensively as it cannot be transported on trains or airplanes and it is a very cumbersome process to mail it back home.

How do I keep my food safe from the bears in the wilderness campgrounds? The campgrounds have bear poles or food storage boxes. Please bring some rope to hang your food from the bear poles.

How do the shuttle buses work? The park shuttles are first-come, first-serve. There are no reserved seats.

Are there backpacker camps like other National Parks for permit holders? Glacier National Park has a few sites in some of the campgrounds for backpackers. For example, In the Two Medicine campground sites 40, 51, and 52 are reserved for backpackers and bicyclists.

When you get a permit, how are the spots reserved? You are guaranteed a spot when your permit is issued. A spot is good for 4 people.

What are some of the hiking side trips from Two Medicine?

What are the fees for a permit? There is a $40 application fee ($10 administrative fee + $30 fulfilled trip request fee) for each application you submit. An application has a primary choice and alternates. If backcountry personnel are unable to award an advance reservation itinerary based upon the parameters you indicate, the $30 fulfilled trip request fee will be refunded.is a $7/night/person camping fee payable upon permit issuance at a backcountry permit office. Due to program fee requirements, there are no child or national land recreation pass discounts available.

What are some hikes from Two Medicine Lake? Day hikes from Two Medicine:
1. Aster Park Trail to Aster Park Falls and Aster Park Overlook.
2. Continental divide trail south to Scenic Point.
3. Upper Two Medicine Lake

Is there a shuttle between East Glacier and the trailheads at Two Medicine Lake? There is a shuttle operated by Glacier Park, Inc., The East Side Shuttle travels the East side of Glacier National Park from Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier Park, north to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Canada. One of the stops is at Two Medicine Lake and you can reserve ahead or when you get there. On the East Side Shuttle, guests can connect with the National Park Service Shuttle, which runs the length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The National Park Service Shuttle is complimentary, while seats on the East Side Shuttle are available for a small fee.

Reservations are generally available June through September and can be made up to 24 hours in advance at 844-868-7474

Here is the Northbound schedule and fares for Glacier Park Lodge, Two Medicine, and St., Mary Lodge in 2020