Trail

Saint Mary Falls Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.9
Saint Mary Falls Trail winds through evergreen forest toward turquoise Saint Mary Falls in Glacier National Park.

Moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back to Saint Mary Falls in Glacier National Park. Expect 250 ft of elevation gain and sections of uneven, rocky terrain.

Easy, well-used 2.1-mile trail leading across a river to the base of a scenic, 3-tiered waterfall.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
3.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
238

Trail profile

Distance Miles
3.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
238
Estimated Time
1.5-2 hours
Trail Surface
Packed dirt with rocky sections, especially near Virginia Falls
Trail Features
  • St. Mary Falls (double waterfall)
  • Virginia Falls
  • St. Mary Lake views
  • Evidence of forest regeneration after the 2015 wildfire
Trail Highlights
St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls; views of St. Mary Lake and surrounding mountains

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Off Going-to-the-Sun Road, west of the St. Mary Entrance Station; includes St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop and St. Mary Falls Trailhead
Parking Lot Size
Small; fills quickly; Sunrift Gorge pullout as alternative
Parking Fill Time
Full by 9:00 AM in peak season
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
Free Glacier National Park shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer (roughly July 1–Labor Day); stops near the St. Mary Falls trailhead

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permit required for day hiking; standard Glacier National Park entrance fee or pass
Fees
Standard Glacier National Park entrance fees apply
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Road typically closes mid-October; snow can linger into early July at higher elevations; mud season in spring/early summer

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Water present in St. Mary River and Virginia Creek; filter or boil; carry water
Accessibility
Family-friendly; moderate difficulty; some rocky sections

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Slipping on wet rocks near the waterfalls
  • Hypothermia
  • Strong currents if entering water
Hazard Details
Bear country—make noise and store food properly. Slippery rock near the falls can cause falls. Hypothermia risk if you fall into cold water; currents can be strong if you enter the water.
Cell Service
Limited or no service
Crowd Level
Very popular; can be crowded 9 a.m.–3 p.m. in July and August
Peak Crowd Times
9 a.m.–3 p.m. in July–August
Parking Strategy
The trailhead lot is small and fills quickly. To improve your chances, arrive before 9:00 AM or after 3:30 PM. In peak season, use the free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle to reduce parking demand.
Effort Verdict
Moderate hike: 3.2 miles round-trip with about 250 ft of elevation gain. The trail is primarily packed dirt with some rocky, uneven sections; plan 1.5–2.5 hours.
Ideal Hiker Profile
Best for hikers with moderate fitness seeking a scenic, non-technical outing. Suitable for families with older kids; the route has uneven ground and rocky patches. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours.
Best Season
Summer (July–September)
Best Time To Visit
Start before 8 am or after 4 pm to dodge crowds and midday sun.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2 liters of water minimum.
  • Bear spray and knowledge of usage.
  • Sturdy shoes, sun protection, insect repellent.
  • Do not rely on cell service; carry map and compass.
  • Trekking poles help on rocky sections near the falls.

More details

Trail Markers
Well-maintained and easy to follow
Shade Level
Limited shade in several sections due to the 2015 wildfire
Emergency Contacts
911; Glacier National Park rangers
Map Recommended
1
Best For
  • Families
  • Casual day hikers
Snow Dates
Snow can linger into early July at higher elevations
Mud Season
Spring and early summer
Bug Season
Summer months (mosquito season)
Insider Tips
  • Combine the hike to St. Mary Falls with Virginia Falls for a fuller experience.
  • Start before 8 am or late in the day to dodge crowds and sun.
  • If the main lot is full, use the Sunrift Gorge pullout and ride the free shuttle.
Family Friendly Notes
Family-friendly with caution near water and on slippery rocks
Nearby Facilities
Vault toilet at the trailhead; main parking area; Sunrift Gorge pullout; shuttle stop
Photo Ops
Photo spots include the waterfall near the end and views of St. Mary Lake along the route. Use a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for detail; much of the trail runs through shaded forest.
Review Summary
Hikers value the dual waterfalls and the short, easy-to-moderate hike. Crowds and parking are the main friction points, but the payoff is clear with views over St. Mary Lake and forest recovery after wildfire.

Location

Saint Mary Falls Trail along a turquoise glacier-fed river with charred trees and rugged mountains in Glacier National Park.Saint Mary Falls Trail along turquoise Saint Mary Lake in Glacier National Park under a bright summer sky.Saint Mary Falls Trail winds along rugged granite walls with a rushing waterfall in Glacier National Park.Saint Mary Falls Trail winds along the turquoise Saint Mary River in Glacier National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears common on this trail?

Yes—this is bear country. Make noise, travel in a group if possible, and store any food away from your person.

Is the trail kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s family-friendly, but supervise children near water and on slick rocks.

Do I need a permit to hike this trail?

No permit is required for day hiking; you’ll need the standard Glacier National Park entrance pass.

Is there shade along the route?

Shade is limited in places due to the 2015 wildfire, so bring sun protection and plan for sun exposure.

What if the parking lot is full when I arrive?

Park at Sunrift Gorge pullout and use the free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road to reach the trailhead.

Grinnell Glacier Trailhead

10.6 miles out-and-back to Grinnell Glacier. Start before dawn, hydrate, and use the shuttle to trim miles.

Hidden Lake Overlook

2.7–3 miles out-and-back, ~600 ft gain; overlook delivers alpine panorama and wildlife sightings.

Highline Trail Trailhead

Highline Trail: Logan Pass to The Loop — 11.8 miles with exposed ledges and a hand cable. Carry 2–3 L water.

Siyeh Pass Trail

Lung-buster to Siyeh Pass. Start before 7 AM, carry water, and shuttle Siyeh Bend to Sunrift Gorge.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.