Baring Falls

Baring Falls at Glacier National Park cascades down rugged rock cliffs with a pine forest backdrop and rushing pool.

Turquoise pool glints beneath a 25–30 ft cascade framed by red-tinted bedrock. A footbridge offers a view of the falls, with Upper Baring Falls forming a shorter 12 ft tier nearby. Water from melting alpine ice sculpts this cascade through ongoing erosion, revealing the rock's layered history. The force at work is erosion by glacier-fed water—soft layers yield first, leaving harder rocks to persist.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: Latitude 48.6°N, Longitude -113.5955°
Accessibility: Stairs and rocky sections; not wheelchair-accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: St. Mary Falls; Virginia Falls; Siyeh Pass Trail; Piegan Pass Trail
Nearby Facilities: Sun Point Visitor Center; dining in St. Mary
Best Time To Visit: Summer, from early June through late October when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open; morning light enhances the turquoise pool; avoid peak mid-summer crowds.
Tips Advice: Parking fills very early—arrive before 7am or use the park shuttle.
Look for the turquoise pool set against red bedrock; stay on the trail.
The viewing footbridge has open cliff edges; keep a safe distance.
Bear spray is recommended; know how to use it; sturdy footwear advised.
Insider Tips: Parking fills very early—use shuttle or visit in the shoulder season
Morning light highlights the turquoise pool
Stay back from cliff edges
Look for American dippers along Baring Creek

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Sturdy footwear; keep children away from cliff edges; stay on trail
Recent Updates: Parking remains tight; shuttle recommended during peak season
Attraction Type: Waterfall
Elevation Feet: 4900
Distance From Entrance: 0.7 miles round-trip
Accessibility Level: Not wheelchair-friendly; stairs and rocky sections.
How To Get There: From Sunrift Gorge on Going-to-the-Sun Road, follow the Sunrift Gorge Trail about 0.7 miles round-trip to a footbridge overlooking Baring Falls.
Parking Availability: Small to medium lot at Sunrift Gorge; fills quickly in the morning; overflow parking or park shuttle available.
Road Type: Paved
Seasonal Access: Summer through late fall; Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open June–October.
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Waterfall, turquoise glacier-fed pool, red-tinted bedrock, footbridge viewing, 0.7-mile hike
What Youll See: Red-tinted sedimentary bedrock, turquoise pool, 25–30 ft waterfall with a 12 ft upper tier, footbridge viewing, exposed cliff edges along Baring Creek
Unique Characteristics: Turquoise glacier-fed pool set against red Precambrian sedimentary rock; two-tier cascade on a short hike
Safety Considerations: Gravity: exposed edges and slippery rocks; Temperatures: glacier water is extremely cold; Wildlife: bears; carry bear spray and know how to use it; stay on marked paths; wear sturdy footwear.
Best Viewpoints: Footbridge vantage near the falls; viewpoints along Baring Creek
Photo Opportunities: Morning light on turquoise pool; contrasting red rock; spray creating rainbows in mist
Photography Spots: Footbridge over the falls; lower viewing area along Baring Creek; sunrise shots from near Sunrift Gorge
Stargazing Quality: Good with clear skies; limited light pollution away from the road
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow possible at sunrise
Visitor Center Present: 1
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Sun Point Visitor Center restrooms (flush toilets)
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Sunrift Gorge
Connecting Trails: Siyeh Pass Trail; Piegan Pass Trail; St. Mary Falls Trail
Nearby Services: St. Mary dining; Sun Point Visitor Center
Common Wildlife: American dippers; deer; black bears
Wildflower Peak: Not listed
Fall Colors Peak: Not listed
Geological Formation Type: Sedimentary bedrock with layered strata; water-eroded waterfall
Scientific Interest: Rock flour color; differential erosion; Precambrian bedrock
Road Opening Dates: Going-to-the-Sun Road open roughly June–October; Sunrift Gorge area follows road status
Snow Lingering: Snow may linger on shaded slopes into early summer
Winter Access: Limited; winter access primarily by snow routes; not suitable for vehicle travel
Best Visit Times: Shoulder seasons; weekday mornings often quieter
Best Season: Summer
Weather Patterns: Summers can bring heat with afternoon thunderstorms; mornings are cool and misty near the falls
Peak Fill Times: Very early morning; parking fills quickly during peak season
Busiest Season: Mid-summer (July–August)
Waterfall Height: 25-30 ft; Upper Baring Falls ~12 ft
Waterfall Flow Rate: Variable with snowmelt
Fishing Species: Not listed
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors celebrate the turquoise pool against red rock and the short, rewarding hike; parking can be a bottleneck; overall the site delivers a concise geologic and visual payoff