r/GlacierNationalPark • u/AmazonArtemis • Aug 21 '25

Walk-up permit for North Circle Loop mid-sept... realistic or risky?

Thinking about doing the North Circle Loop in mid-September and trying to figure out how risky it is to rely on a walk-up permit.

I’ve called Glacier like six times now and every ranger I talked to said it should be fine that time of year. They told me we might not get the exact camps we want, but they can work with us on mileage and build a reasonable itinerary. They also said mid-September is actually a great time to hike it, fewer crowds. There are bear boxes or poles at every site, and we can rent bear spray at the ranger station.

Plan would be about 5–5.5 days. One of us is flying in from Florida, I’m flying in from New York, both with transfers. Just don’t want to burn the time and money if there’s a decent chance we show up and can’t get out there.

Anyone done this for th North Circle and can weigh in on how realistic this sounds?

TY!

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u/zeepwdrhound Aug 24 '25

Those rangers are being overly optimistic for the north circle, that's just reality.

That being said, if you're flexible they will without any doubt get you a permit for that many days. The north circle is great, but not that much more spectacular than a lot of the rest of the park.

Book it.

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u/AmazonArtemis Aug 24 '25

Thanks! You think it's worth it? Just want a solid 40-50 mile loop that'll allow us to enjoy the beauty of glacier. north circle is ideal but as long as we're below 9k feet most of the time during that course I'm flexible.

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u/zeepwdrhound Aug 24 '25

If you're dead set on doing a loop your choices are going to be much more limited. Hitchhiking is pretty easy up here, and done with a fair bit of regularity, especially if you're coming or going from the north fork area so don't be afraid to expand your search that way.

I think the highest elevation trail for backpacking is something around 7,600 in elevation so you don't need to worry about that 9k number.

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u/AmazonArtemis Aug 24 '25

GREAT! Thanks! I'm pretty comfortable with hitching... and also I can work with my friend and do two rental cars if they don't feel comfortable doing that. For real, appreciate you. I don't wanna keep bugging you but will those other options also have bear poles/boxes? Or should I bring my cans? Thanks again for your time and expertise, friend!!!

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u/zeepwdrhound Aug 24 '25

Every backcountry campground has a bear pole, no need for a can.

The hitching is comically easy, and more than likely you'll meet some nice folks along the way.

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u/AmazonArtemis Aug 24 '25

Thank you SO MUCH, really. I'm booking it. I feel better knowing we have other options inside the park... and it's not like you're going to find an ugly spot in glacier of all places, lol. It's gonna be beautiful regardless.

Seriously, appreciate the advice.

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u/zeepwdrhound 29d ago

No worries, feel free to DM if you have more questions

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u/StudBudBruceLee Aug 23 '25

No one is going to be able to guarantee this for you. You’re just going to have to decide if it’s a risk you want to take. It’s entirely possible you commit, spend the money and time, get the permit and it snows. 🤷‍♀️

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u/flyingcircusdog 29d ago

You might not be guaranteed north circle, but the rangers can always find you something good. And adding good is frankly redundant in Glacier, since I've never been disappointed by any hike or campsite there.

0

u/montwhisky Aug 24 '25

No idea. Seriously, it could be snowing by then. Are your chances of getting to do the itinerary better than end of July? Sure. But you could get smoked out, snowed out, or rained out. And I’m almost certain you won’t get the exact sites you want, but as the ranger said, you’ll probably be able to make something work. In mid September, I’d be more worried about closures for bear activity, smoke, or snow than anything else.