Tour stop
Glacier National Park Tour: North Fork
About The Tour
Glacier's North Fork is hidden away in the park's northernmost reaches, where pristine wilderness meets solitude. While crowds flock to other areas of the park, this remote corner remains a sanctuary for those seeking authentic adventure and tranquil moments amid Montana's raw beauty.
Here's a few things to look forward to!
• Savor a huckleberry bear claw at Polebridge Mercantile.
• Go Kayaking on the crystal clear Bowman Lake
• Set out for a wilderness hike from the remote shore of Kintla Lake
Here's a few things to look forward to!
• Savor a huckleberry bear claw at Polebridge Mercantile.
• Go Kayaking on the crystal clear Bowman Lake
• Set out for a wilderness hike from the remote shore of Kintla Lake
About the tour
Glacier's North Fork is hidden away in the park's northernmost reaches, where pristine wilderness meets solitude. While crowds flock to other areas of the park, this remote corner remains a sanctuary for those seeking authentic adventure and tranquil moments amid Montana's raw beauty.
Here's a few things to look forward to!
• Savor a huckleberry bear claw at Polebridge Mercantile.
• Go Kayaking on the crystal clear Bowman Lake
• Set out for a wilderness hike from the remote shore of Kintla Lake
Here's a few things to look forward to!
• Savor a huckleberry bear claw at Polebridge Mercantile.
• Go Kayaking on the crystal clear Bowman Lake
• Set out for a wilderness hike from the remote shore of Kintla Lake
STARTING POINTS
-Camas Road
RECOMMENDED START TIME: Before 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
-Camas Road
RECOMMENDED START TIME: Before 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to the North Fork Tour Preview
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2. North Fork Tour Introduction
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08:56
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3. Polebridge Mercantile
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02:23
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4. Bonus: North Fork Safety
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08:29
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5. Polebridge Ranger Station
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02:24
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6. Bowman: Glacier’s Wonders of the North
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24:06
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7. The World’s First International Peace Park
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17:29
Glacier National Park Tour: North Fork Map
Explore Tour Map
Glacier National Park Tour: North Fork Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Bowman Lake
Tour stop
Kintla Lake
Tour stop
Forest and Fire Nature Trail
Tour stop
Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District
Meet the Creators
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Glacier National Park Tour: North Fork
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Rayne Warne
Writer & Managing Editor
Favorite Quote:
"Stories are machines inhabited by a god." - Bonnie Friedman
Rachel Ennis
Writer
Favorite Quote:
"I love not man the less, but nature more." -Lord Byron
Myra Morehart
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"The man who's too afraid to die is too afraid to live." - Clark Gable as Gay Langland in The Misfits.
Purchase Options
1.
Glacier National Park Tour: North Fork
$ 9.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Glacier National Park Tour: North Fork FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Important Update!
Hi, Shaka Guiders.
Before you head out toward the North Fork, I want to kind of set the scene for ya. This is one of the most peaceful, wild, and bumpy drives in the park. Long stretches of forest. Very little traffic. A good chance of spotting wildlife if you’re patient and quiet about it. And, I’ve heard tell, even a good chance to see wolves. I had no such luck…unfortunately.
North Fork feels far away—because it is. It’s also remote. Very remote. There’s no reliable cell service out here. If something goes wrong, let’s just say... help is probably not just around the corner.
The road itself is rough in sections. Potholes. Washboards. Loose gravel. It’s recommended to have AWD or 4WD. Flats are common, so be prepared to break out the jack and flex your mechanical skills, if need be.
When I drove it, I didn’t have much trouble. I took it slow, picked my lines carefully, and the drive was smooth enough. I didn’t even have an AWD…just a regular, lil’ ol’ rental sedan. But, as with all these types of places, the weather can change everything.
If you’re comfortable with remote driving, feel confident in your vehicle, and are okay being off-grid for a while, it’s a spectacular experience. The kind of place where you roll the windows down and just listen and decompress.
But if you’re unsure, that’s okay too. Know your limits. Check conditions. And remember— turning around is always an option. After all, we’re here to enjoy the drive, not stress it.
Enjoy your road less traveled,
-Rachel
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback
- Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
- Offline access after download
- Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
- Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
- Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
- Lifetime access after purchase
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the North Fork Tour go?
This tour has 4 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
2. Are vehicle reservations required in North Fork?
As of 2026, vehicle reservations are no longer required to enter the North Fork during peak seasons. Visitors can access the area freely without booking through Recreation.gov.
However, travelers should still plan ahead, as access may be affected by seasonal conditions, and roads may close during the winter months.
However, travelers should still plan ahead, as access may be affected by seasonal conditions, and roads may close during the winter months.
3. What should I pack for the North Fork Tour?
Raincoat
Sunscreen
Binoculars
Insect Repellent
Bear Spray (can be rented at Kalispel Airport or Apgar Village)
Any Vehicle Reservations Needed
Spare tire
Jumper cables
Sunscreen
Binoculars
Insect Repellent
Bear Spray (can be rented at Kalispel Airport or Apgar Village)
Any Vehicle Reservations Needed
Spare tire
Jumper cables
4. What should I budget for the North Fork Tour?
Glacier Weekly National Park Pass: $20 - $35
The park does not accept cash.
The park does not accept cash.
5. What are the park hours for the North Fork Tour?
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation. Check NPS site for current opening hours.
6. Can I take the North Fork Tour in the opposite direction?
The tour is an "in and out" experience, meaning you travel in one direction and return to the starting point without looping or changing directions. Although you can choose to go to either Bowman Lake or Kintla Lake.
7. Can I join the North Fork Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join the tour at any point; you’ll just miss a few stories.
8. Do I need a 4-WD vehicle in North Fork?
The NPS recommends a 4WD or AWD vehicle, as well as the ability to change a flat tire. Anticipate not having cell service.
9. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.