Good question. The tax dollars don't really take care of all of the costs necessary to maintain our national and state parks. Please don't let the fees deter you. Especially if you want to see a national park such as Glacier.
We can wild in national forests, for limited times. Days. Natl parks, you need a backcountry permit, usually easy to get. Rangers like to know that you're out there, in case help is needed, which does happen. Random snows, and the rare bear issue.
Right on....
Without getting into the politics of funding and protecting national parks with tax money, the fees from passes required to enter National Parks help to cover the costs of maintaining the parks (rangers, roads, utilities, trail management, etc). Some countries cover these costs with tax dollars while others only partially cover these costs with tax dollars and then make up the remaining deficit with fees from passes and the like. If you're considering going to Glacier National Park though, do not let the cost of the pass deter you. This is one of the most beautiful Parks I've been to in the US and is well worth the cost.
Part of the reason is to help pay for the preservation and upkeep on the park but the reason you have to have a pass to hike is because if you turn up missing we can figure out where you went out to help look because there are a lot of wild animals here and it's for your safety
That is how me maintain and upgrade the hiking and camping areas. It is also how park employees are paid.
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.