Natural AttractionVulture Peak
Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.

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.
Geological Formation
4,825 ft
Moderate trail with uneven terrain; limited wheelchair accessibility
Tiered waterfall, upper overlook, bridge over Virginia Creek, forested approach
Forest trail, Virginia Falls cascades, spray mist, multiple viewpoints including an upper overlook and a Virginia Creek bridge
Tiered cascade in a glacial valley setting; multiple cascades within sedimentary rock; cluster of viewpoints along the St. Mary Falls trail system
Late June–September, after Going-to-the-Sun Road opens; mornings offer softer light; July–August are the busiest months.
Wet rocks near the falls are slippery; few safety barriers exist—stay on established paths. Bears frequent the area; carry bear spray, make noise, and store food securely. The final approach can be misty and cold; wear layers and sturdy boots.
Tiered cascade in a glacial valley setting; multiple cascades within sedimentary rock; cluster of viewpoints along the St. Mary Falls trail system
Glacial valley context, ongoing erosion; Reynolds Creek Fire in 2015 near the trail area
From Going-to-the-Sun Road, turn onto the St. Mary Falls Trailhead; follow the forest path toward Virginia Falls, connecting to St. Mary Falls for a loop experience.
St. Mary Falls Trailhead; Sun Point parking area (via shuttle access)
St. Mary Falls Trail network; connections to Going-to-the-Sun Road system
Upper overlook; bridge over Virginia Creek
Mist-lit spray near the main drop; views toward St. Mary Lake; backdrops of the surrounding peaks
Upper overlook; Virginia Creek bridge; along the trail with St. Mary Lake in the distance
Moose, bears, American dippers
Mountain weather; snowmelt-driven flows; potential afternoon storms
St. Mary Falls, St. Mary Lake, Baring Falls
St. Mary Visitor Center; St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop; Sun Point parking
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
Moderate with uneven terrain; not fully wheelchair accessible
Moderate trail; caution near wet rocks; bears in area; hold hands and keep kids away from edges
St. Mary Visitor Center; vault toilets at St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop and Sun Point
To Park Entrance
3.1–3.8 miles round-trip
Based on 86 Google reviews
Based on 86 guest reviews
" Rated 4.9 stars from 86 reviews; visitors praise the misty cascade, forest approach, and the multiple viewpoints along the trail; widely regarded as a top Glacier hike"
1momwithaplan
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.
Kaitley Cowan
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!!!!
Kalpana Limbu
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
Parking at the St. Mary Falls Trailhead fills quickly, often before mid-morning; consider Sun Point or the park shuttle to access the area.
Yes—multiple viewpoints along the forested approach deliver close-up cascades, a classic tiered cascade experience, and distant St. Mary Lake scenery.
The trail is moderate with uneven terrain and some elevation change; it is not fully wheelchair accessible, so pace and rests are important.
Bear presence is noted; carry bear spray, make noise, and stay on established paths to reduce encounters.
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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