The month of August is the prime vacation month for many and a traditional motorcycle touring month in the Pacific Northwest. The days are still long, the weather is stable and predictable; and mountain passes are open. August is also known for the roads plugged by campers, boaters and holiday-makers, construction, as well as overpriced accommodations and crowded food venues. For these reasons, over the last few years, my husband, Robert, and I have chosen to travel earlier in the riding season. However, in 2023 we decided to take our chance once again in August, mostly due to our destination being Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana.
The road usually opens in July after winter hibernation and has a very short-lived season with frequent closures due to snow, even in the month of July. Montana’s Glacier National Park and its jewel Going-to-the-Sun-Road have become so popular since the Covid pandemic that now visitors have to pre-book a vehicle reservation to travel this road and a few other roads in the park.
It felt like winning the lottery when I was successful in booking August reservations for our two motorcycles in April, when the system opened for pre-booking. “We’re going to Montana in August,” I proudly announced to Robert, who promptly reminded me of August crowds, heat, wildfires, and other potential disasters.
IDEAL MOTORCYCLE ROAD
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a narrow and winding 80-kilometre route traversing the Continental Divide and Logan Pass at an elevation of over 2,000 metres. It is extremely scenic
