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

Virginia Falls cascades over a rocky cliff in Glacier National Park, surrounded by evergreen trees.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: Not readily available; reference from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead
Accessibility: Moderate with uneven terrain; not fully wheelchair accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: St. Mary Falls, St. Mary Lake, Baring Falls
Nearby Facilities: St. Mary Visitor Center; vault toilets at St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop and Sun Point
Best Time To Visit: Late June–September, after Going-to-the-Sun Road opens; mornings offer softer light; July–August are the busiest months.
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.
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

More details

Park Area: St. Mary area, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Moderate trail; caution near wet rocks; bears in area; hold hands and keep kids away from edges
Recent Updates: Reynolds Creek Fire in 2015 affected nearby areas; check current conditions before visiting
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 4825
Distance From Entrance: 3.1–3.8 miles round-trip
Accessibility Level: Moderate trail with uneven terrain; limited wheelchair accessibility
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
Road Type: Paved sections on Going-to-the-Sun Road; parking areas are gravel
Seasonal Access: Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late June; snow conditions can affect access earlier/later in the season
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Tiered waterfall, upper overlook, bridge over Virginia Creek, forested approach
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
Safety Considerations: 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.
Best Viewpoints: Upper overlook; bridge over Virginia Creek
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
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Mornings deliver soft light; late-day light can be warm but crowds rise
Visitor Center Present: 1
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Limited until reaching the falls
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: St. Mary Falls Trailhead; Sun Point parking area (via shuttle access)
Connecting Trails: St. Mary Falls Trail network; connections to Going-to-the-Sun Road system
Nearby Services: St. Mary Visitor Center; St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop; Sun Point parking
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
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
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; late June–September
Best Season: Late June–September
Weather Patterns: Mountain weather; snowmelt-driven flows; potential afternoon storms
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills by mid-morning in peak season
Busiest Season: July and August
Waterfall Flow Rate: Variable; strongest during snowmelt
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
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

Location

Photos

Virginia 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.