Yes, the restrictions don't start until passed Lake McDonald.
You have to show your pass or reservation to enter the park. Exceptions are arrive before 6am, after 5pm, or on foot or bicycle.
That is correct. Need GTSR pass at entrance gate. 3 exceptions - enter before 6AM, enter after 6PM, or you can show that you have paid for some kind of tour, such as Red Bus, or horse back riding.
We had to show our GTSR pass just to get into the park. Did not see another station checking passes after that all the way to Avalanche Creek
Doesn't seem like. Firstly, this lake is on the GTSR. Secondly, we were asked to show the GTSR ticket better we could enter the national park.
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