After weeks of closure due to the Reynolds Creek Fire, the East side of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun-Road opened to traffic this morning, Friday, August 7. Glacier National Park Public Information Officer Denise Germann says there is still active fire near the road and there are some restrictions.

"We do ask folks who are traveling the road to drive cautiously, drive slowly, there’s no slopping or parking along the road or pullouts in the fire area," Germann said. "You may see smoke; you may actually see flames at different times throughout the day. So it's an opportunity to see the fire ecosystem as it is."

The fire has certainly taken its toll on the surrounding forest, and one historic cabin, but tourism to the park is still up.

"At this point, a year to date from last year, and last year 2014 was a record year for Glacier National Park," Germann said. "We are above that year to date right now at about 10 percent. It kept a few folks away on a particular access but I think overall in the park, and you know the park is over 1million acres. People still enjoyed Glacier National Park which is awesome."

The road is expected to be open during the day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Firefighters are still using the road to access the Reynold's Creek Fire.

 

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