Saint Mary Falls Trail
3.5 miles round-trip, easy to moderate. Water, falls, big payoff—start early to beat crowds.
Combine the hike to St. Mary Falls with Virginia Falls for a fuller experience.
Start before 8 am or late in the day to dodge crowds and sun.
Start before 8 am or after 4 pm to dodge crowds and midday sun.
Trail
YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY
What would you love to do here?
Blue water and a double waterfall make St. Mary Falls the first reward; continuing to Virginia Falls adds a second destination. Choose how far to walk from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead below. The 2015 burn left little shade. Carry water, food, layers and bear spray; stay together and away from dangerous water and dropoffs. Check current NPS closures and access before setting out.
Showing the complete guide. Access and safety stay visible.
Visit St. Mary Falls and turn back
From the St. Mary Falls Trailhead, this is 1.2 miles one way, or 2.4 miles round trip. It keeps the visit focused on the double waterfall and blue water above St. Mary Lake.
With children
A shorter outing than continuing to Virginia Falls, but water and dropoffs still require close supervision.
Continue on to Virginia Falls
From the St. Mary Falls Trailhead, Virginia Falls is 1.8 miles one way, or 3.6 miles round trip. This extends the outing beyond St. Mary Falls.
With children
The longer outing may require more water, food, layers and attention to changing conditions; stay together around water, dropoffs and wildlife.
Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026
Moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back to Saint Mary Falls in Glacier National Park. Expect 250 ft of elevation gain and sections of uneven, rocky terrain.
Easy, well-used 2.1-mile trail leading across a river to the base of a scenic, 3-tiered waterfall.
Quick facts
- Distance Miles
- 3.5
- Route Type
- Out-and-back
- Difficulty Level
- Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 238
CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK
Is this the right hike for your day?
Why choose this hike?
- Trail Highlights
- St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls; views of St. Mary Lake and surrounding mountains
- Best For
- Families
- Casual day hikers
What the outing demands
- Effort Verdict
- Moderate hike: 3.2 miles round-trip with about 250 ft of elevation gain. The trail is primarily packed dirt with some rocky, uneven sections; plan 1.5–2.5 hours.
- Estimated Time
- 1.5-2 hours
Where and when it fits the day
- Trailhead Location
- Off Going-to-the-Sun Road, west of the St. Mary Entrance Station; includes St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop and St. Mary Falls Trailhead
- Best Time To Visit
- Start before 8 am or after 4 pm to dodge crowds and midday sun.
Explore your choices Choose your visit options.
Trail profile
- Distance Miles
- 3.5
- Route Type
- Out-and-back
- Difficulty Level
- Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain Feet
- 238
- Trail Surface
- Packed dirt with rocky sections, especially near Virginia Falls
- Trail Features
- St. Mary Falls (double waterfall)
- Virginia Falls
- St. Mary Lake views
- Evidence of forest regeneration after the 2015 wildfire
Trailhead & access
- Parking Lot Size
- Small; fills quickly; Sunrift Gorge pullout as alternative
- Parking Fill Time
- Full by 9:00 AM in peak season
- Shuttle Required
- Yes
- Shuttle Details
- Free Glacier National Park shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer (roughly July 1–Labor Day); stops near the St. Mary Falls trailhead
Permits & conditions
- Permit Details
- No permit required for day hiking; standard Glacier National Park entrance fee or pass
- Fees
- Standard Glacier National Park entrance fees apply
- Trail Status
- Open
- Seasonal Closures
- Road typically closes mid-October; snow can linger into early July at higher elevations; mud season in spring/early summer
Facilities & rules
- Restrooms At Trailhead
- Yes
- Water Sources
- Water present in St. Mary River and Virginia Creek; filter or boil; carry water
- Accessibility
- Family-friendly; moderate difficulty; some rocky sections
Safety & strategy
- Hazards
- Bear country
- Slipping on wet rocks near the waterfalls
- Hypothermia
- Strong currents if entering water
- Cell Service
- Limited or no service
- Crowd Level
- Very popular; can be crowded 9 a.m.–3 p.m. in July and August
- Peak Crowd Times
- 9 a.m.–3 p.m. in July–August
- Parking Strategy
- The trailhead lot is small and fills quickly. To improve your chances, arrive before 9:00 AM or after 3:30 PM. In peak season, use the free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle to reduce parking demand.
- Ideal Hiker Profile
- Best for hikers with moderate fitness seeking a scenic, non-technical outing. Suitable for families with older kids; the route has uneven ground and rocky patches. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours.
- Best Season
- Summer (July–September)
- Tips Advice
- Carry 2 liters of water minimum.
- Bear spray and knowledge of usage.
- Sturdy shoes, sun protection, insect repellent.
- Do not rely on cell service; carry map and compass.
- Trekking poles help on rocky sections near the falls.
More details
- Trail Markers
- Well-maintained and easy to follow
- Shade Level
- Limited shade in several sections due to the 2015 wildfire
- Emergency Contacts
- 911; Glacier National Park rangers
- Map Recommended
- Yes
- Snow Dates
- Snow can linger into early July at higher elevations
- Mud Season
- Spring and early summer
- Bug Season
- Summer months (mosquito season)
- Insider Tips
- Combine the hike to St. Mary Falls with Virginia Falls for a fuller experience.
- Start before 8 am or late in the day to dodge crowds and sun.
- If the main lot is full, use the Sunrift Gorge pullout and ride the free shuttle.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Family-friendly with caution near water and on slippery rocks
- Nearby Facilities
- Vault toilet at the trailhead; main parking area; Sunrift Gorge pullout; shuttle stop
- Photo Ops
- Photo spots include the waterfall near the end and views of St. Mary Lake along the route. Use a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for detail; much of the trail runs through shaded forest.
- Review Summary
- Hikers value the dual waterfalls and the short, easy-to-moderate hike. Crowds and parking are the main friction points, but the payoff is clear with views over St. Mary Lake and forest recovery after wildfire.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Are bears common on this trail?
Yes—this is bear country. Make noise, travel in a group if possible, and store any food away from your person.
Is the trail kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, but supervise children near water and on slick rocks.
Do I need a permit to hike this trail?
No permit is required for day hiking; you’ll need the standard Glacier National Park entrance pass.
Is there shade along the route?
Shade is limited in places due to the 2015 wildfire, so bring sun protection and plan for sun exposure.
What if the parking lot is full when I arrive?
Park at Sunrift Gorge pullout and use the free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road to reach the trailhead.
More at Glacier National Park
Avalanche Lake Trailhead
5.65 miles round-trip, 757 ft gain. Pack water, bear spray, and start before dawn to beat crowds.
Trail of the Cedars Nature Trailhead
Flat loop through ancient cedars with creek views; dodge crowds with smart timing.
Apikuni Falls Trail
Steep waterfall crusher: 0.8 miles, 651ft elevation gain. Short burst, big payoff.
Forest and Fire Nature Trail
Short fire-ecology loop with exhibits. Easy terrain but exposed drop-offs—stay sharp.
Redrock Falls Trail
Flat waterfall walk with moose risk. Slippery rocks demand respect.
Swiftcurrent Lake Trail
Flat 2.6-mile loop. Lake views, historic buildings, accessibility options. Start early to dodge crowds.
Sources
- Current time information in Flathead County, US.
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.