Virginia Falls: 50-Foot Multi-Tiered Waterfall in Glacier National Park

Q: Is it worth the 3.1–3.8 mile round trip to see Virginia Falls?

Yes—multiple viewpoints along the forested approach deliver close-up cascades, a classic tiered cascade experience, and distant St. Mary Lake scenery.

Q: Will my 65-year-old be able to walk to the viewpoints?

The trail is moderate with uneven terrain and some elevation change; it is not fully wheelchair accessible, so pace and rests are important.

Q: Is bear safety something I should worry about on this hike?

Bear presence is noted; carry bear spray, make noise, and stay on established paths to reduce encounters.

Q: Is the area accessible for families with kids?

The route is moderate; supervise children closely near wet rocks and the trail’s edges; plan for rest stops and confirm weather conditions before departure.

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Overview

About This Attraction

Forest shadows part to reveal Virginia Falls, a tiered cascade spilling from a forested ledge. The main drop stands about 50 feet, with additional chutes and a lower cascade feeding Virginia Creek. The scene is carved by water-borne erosion in a glacial valley, with ongoing river action slowly widening the rock steps in sedimentary layers.

Best Time to Visit

Late June–September, after Going-to-the-Sun Road opens; mornings offer softer light; July–August are the busiest months.

Visitor Tips

Look for mist on the rocks near the falls and stay on established paths.
Arrive early or plan after 4pm to dodge crowds.
Bear spray and noise are prudent; carry and make noise.
Carry ample water; the meltwater is icy and dehydration can sneak up.

Details

Location & Features

GPS: Not readily available; reference from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

St. Mary Falls, St. Mary Lake, Baring Falls

Insider Tips

Walk past main viewing areas for different perspectives; arrive early or late to dodge crowds; rocks near the falls become extremely slick when wet; expect cooler temps in the last quarter-mile due to mist

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Moderate with uneven terrain; not fully wheelchair accessible

Family Friendly:

Moderate trail; caution near wet rocks; bears in area; hold hands and keep kids away from edges

Nearby Facilities:

St. Mary Visitor Center; vault toilets at St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop and Sun Point

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 86 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

We all really enjoyed this hike. Not a hard hike, but parking is hard to find. We add an extra mile and parked at the Sun Point Natural Trail. From parking lot take the Piegan Pass trail to Virginia Falls trail head. It is a nice extra mile along beside Saint Mary Lake. You can catch the buses back to the parking lot. This parking lot does have restrooms.

Absolutely stunning falls!!! The hike up to them was so pretty, and the waterfall was breathtaking! Probably my favorite hike at Glacier National Park. So beautiful!!!!

The falls is worth the hike, absolutely stunning. Took my breath away when I saw it, also the crowd makes a lot of difference. When we got there there was no crowd so we had the falls all to ourselves for may be around half an hour. The photos and videos just won’t justify it. One of my best experiences of the glacier.

Showing 3 of 86 reviews

FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking at the St. Mary Falls Trailhead fills quickly, often before mid-morning; consider Sun Point or the park shuttle to access the area.

Is it worth the 3.1–3.8 mile round trip to see Virginia Falls?

Will my 65-year-old be able to walk to the viewpoints?

Is bear safety something I should worry about on this hike?

Is the area accessible for families with kids?

📖 world-of-waterfalls.com 📖 hikingwalking.com 📖 beyondthemoments.com 📖 travelandhikewithpcos.com 📖 discoveringmontana.com 📖 twodaysjourney.com 📖 myhikes.org 📖 hikinginglacier.com 📖 utahsadventurefamily.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 goodhousekeeping.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 flatheadbeacon.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 glacierhikesandbikes.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 genuinemontana.com 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 visitmt.com 📖 Current time information in Glacier County, US. 📖 snow-forecast.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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