Polebridge
Rustic wooden stage and surrounding cabins in Polebridge, Glacier National Park, with picnic tables on the grassy yard.
Outdoor seating area with wooden picnic tables beside a rustic shop under a large tree, gravel path in Glacier National Park.
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Polebridge

Nearby Town★★★★☆
Last Updated: January 2026
⚠️ Temporarily Closed

Overview

About This Town

Last gas before Glacier; rustic cabins and off-grid vibe; escape the crowds for a true backcountry experience.

The Vibe

Polebridge is a working-hub outpost, not a resort town. You’ll need a car; nothing is truly walkable. Staying in Polebridge saves money but expect minimal services; for more vibes and amenities, drive 30–40 minutes to Whitefish or Kalispell.

Stock Up Here

Big Box Stores: None. The nearest are in Columbia Falls or Kalispell. Gas is available at the Polebridge Mercantile but is limited and expensive; fill up elsewhere before reaching Polebridge (Kalispell/Columbia Falls). Gear needs should be stocked in Whitefish/Columbia Falls; REI/Cabela's not in town.

Late Night Intel

Mercantile deli serves 7 AM–9 PM in summer; most kitchens die by 9:30 PM; Northern Lights Saloon offers meals but hours vary; plan early dinners and consider nearby options in Whitefish or Kalispell if you’re rolling in late.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Ghost Town / Quiet Outpost

Population

14

Distance to Park

28 miles (about 1 hour) to West Glacier Entrance Station

Highlights

Known For

Polebridge Mercantile’s baked goods (huckleberry bear claws, macaroons, cinnamon rolls); rustic cabins; Northern Lights Saloon; Home Ranch Bottoms; Sasquatch Grill.

Main Attractions

Polebridge Mercantile hub, Northern Lights Saloon, Home Ranch Bottoms, Sasquatch Grill, cabin rentals

What Makes It Special

No electricity after dark; limited services; dirt North Fork Road; bears common in the area.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

May–October

Shoulder Season

May and September

Winter

Winter: largely shuts down; heating limitations; small population; Mercantile typically closed outside May–Oct

Best Time to Visit

May–October when the population swells and the Mercantile and cabins operate; winter is a shut-down, off-grid scene.

Tips & Advice

  • Gas at Polebridge Mercantile; hours aren’t guaranteed 24/7—plan ahead.
  • Kitchens likely close early; meals should be arranged by 7–8pm.
  • Bring cash; no documented banks/ATMs.
  • Parking can be tight in peak season; arrive early and don’t block access.
ℹ️ Data Sources

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