Mile 39 · Stop 25 of 32 · Going-to-the-Sun Road

Virginia Falls

50 ft main drop; 3.1–3.8 mile hike from St. Mary Falls Trailhead.

You are here · Going-to-the-Sun Road

← St. Mary Falls · mile 38.6 Sunrift Gorge · mile 39.5 →
Insider tip

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 las…

The light

Mornings deliver soft light; late-day light can be warm but crowds rise

Heads up

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 fo…

When to come

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

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.9
Geological Formation4,825 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

Accessed by a hike through the forest, this stunning waterfall is a celebrated spot for relaxing.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
Forest trail, Virginia Falls cascades, spray mist, multiple viewpoints including an upper overlook and a Virginia Creek bridge
Unique Characteristics
Tiered cascade in a glacial valley setting; multiple cascades within sedimentary rock; cluster of viewpoints along the St. Mary Falls trail system

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; late June–September
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by mid-morning in peak season

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
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.
Parking Availability
Limited parking at St. Mary Falls Trailhead; fills before mid-morning; Sun Point parking or park shuttle as alternatives

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
3.1–3.8 miles round-trip
Road Type
Paved sections on Going-to-the-Sun Road; parking areas are gravel
GPS Coordinates
Not readily available; reference from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late June–September, after Going-to-the-Sun Road opens; mornings offer softer light; July–August are the busiest months.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Mornings deliver soft light; late-day light can be warm but crowds rise
Best Season
Late June–September
Busiest Season
July and August
Seasonal Access
Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late June; snow conditions can affect access earlier/later in the season
Road Opening Dates
Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in late June; verify current year
Snow Lingering
Snow lingers into early summer; may affect early hikes
Winter Access
Trail access limited; snow and ice prevail
Weather Patterns
Mountain weather; snowmelt-driven flows; potential afternoon storms

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Tiered waterfall, upper overlook, bridge over Virginia Creek, forested approach
Photo Opportunities
Mist-lit spray near the main drop; views toward St. Mary Lake; backdrops of the surrounding peaks
Photography Spots
Upper overlook; Virginia Creek bridge; along the trail with St. Mary Lake in the distance
Best Viewpoints
Upper overlook; bridge over Virginia Creek
Common Wildlife
Moose, bears, American dippers
Geological Formation Type
Tiered waterfall in a glacial valley within sedimentary rock
Scientific Interest
Glacial valley context, ongoing erosion; Reynolds Creek Fire in 2015 near the trail area

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Limited until reaching the falls
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Moderate with uneven terrain; not fully wheelchair accessible
Accessibility Level
Moderate trail with uneven terrain; limited wheelchair accessibility
Nearby Services
St. Mary Visitor Center; St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop; Sun Point parking
Nearby Facilities
St. Mary Visitor Center; vault toilets at St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop and Sun Point
Family Friendly Notes
Moderate trail; caution near wet rocks; bears in area; hold hands and keep kids away from edges

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
St. Mary Falls, St. Mary Lake, Baring Falls
Connecting Trails
St. Mary Falls Trail network; connections to Going-to-the-Sun Road system
Trailheads Here
St. Mary Falls Trailhead; Sun Point parking area (via shuttle access)

Planning advice

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
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
St. Mary area, Glacier National Park
Recent Updates
Reynolds Creek Fire in 2015 affected nearby areas; check current conditions before visiting
Elevation Feet
4825
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Flow Rate
Variable; strongest during snowmelt
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
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

Continue the drive

← Previous stop · mile 38.6 St. Mary Falls Next stop → · mile 39.5 Sunrift Gorge

See every stop on the drive →

Location

Cascading Falls on Virginia falls trail GTSR — Glacier National ParkVirginia Falls pours over rugged rock walls in Glacier National Park, as turquoise water roars through a narrow gorge.Virginia Falls at Glacier National Park cascades over rock cliffs into a forest pool.Virginia Falls, Glacier National Park, plunges through red rock gorge with a rainbow arc overhead.Virginia Falls, Glacier National Park, cascades over rugged rock ledges with mist and hikers nearby.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

Sources

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.