Polebridge
Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery - Where the West is still Wild – Montana

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Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions. We have answers.

Can I get to the Mercantile without a Park Pass? 

The Polebridge Mercantile is NOT in Glacier National Park and is accessible from Columbia Falls via MT 486 without a park pass or reservation year round.

Until May 26th, Camas Road & Bowman Lake are accessible WITHOUT a reservation.
The majority of North Fork Vehicle reservations will be made available the day before at 8 AM. If you want to go to Bowman Lake on a Sunday this summer, go to Recreation.gov – Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More at 8AM on Saturday.
Hikers and bikers do NOT need a reservation and parking is available across the river from the Polebridge ranger station.

 

Is there cell phone service in Polebridge?

No, there really isn’t.  Unplug for a bit.

Is there wifi in Polebridge?
No. But there is a computer with internet you can use.

Is there a pay phone in Polebridge?
There used to be… You can ask to use the landline inside for emergencies.

How does the Merc bake without power?
We are off the grid, but we still have power. Solar panels and a diesel generator power Polebridge. We are working hard to reach 80 percent renewable power in the coming 5 years.

What is the nearest place to rent recreational equipment?
Polebridge Outfitters is an on-site provider of recreational rental equipment.  They are the nearest rentals to get you on your next adventure in the North Fork.

What is the total population of Polebridge?
Animals or humans… wildlife still outnumber residents by the thousands.

So how bad is the road?
Depends on the time of year. If you travel through West Glacier (Camas Road) there is only 7 miles of gravel. Camas road is closed in the winter. Check here for current status http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm

Garbage facilities?
There are no public garbage facilities in Polebridge so we take our trash to town.  There is no sense in people taking their trash up here for us to take back to town so please pack it in, pack it out.