Virginia Falls: The Best Waterfall In Glacier National Park
In our experience, Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park delivers a dramatic, moss-draped curtain of water that never fails to impress. The roar and spray are the kind you remember long after the trip, and the closer you are to the base, the more immersive the moment feels. We recommend planning for first light or late afternoon light to catch elusive rainbows in the mist, and bringing a lightweight rain shell for those refreshing spray zones.
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Why Should You Hike St. Mary Falls Trail To See Virginia Falls?
If you’re chasing one of Glacier National Park’s most iconic waterfall experiences, the St. Mary Falls Trail to Virginia Falls is hard to beat. In our experience, the three-for-one hike delivers a dramatic payoff with St. Mary Falls, cascading water along Virginia Creek, and the grand finale at Virginia Falls.
Virginia Falls’s 50-foot drop is the crown jewel, but the approach matters just as much. The best plan is to arrive early or later in the day to dodge the peak crowds, and reel in a bit of spray as you round Virginia Creek. We’ve found that a quick, shaded pause at the boardwalk overlook above the creek helps you acclimate to the mist before the big show.
What we’ve learned on our last visits is that proper footwear and a light rain shell go a long way—the spray from Virginia Falls travels a surprising distance. The trail is popular and well maintained, but a few slick rocks near the creek crossings can surprise you after a rain. For wildlife and weather, follow NPS guidance and keep kids and pets close; small detours can add extra time but are worth it for the best view.
From our experience, this hike is a must-see for Glacier visitors who want a concentrated waterfall slam in a compact route. The payoff at Virginia Falls is the reminder that Glacier’s best scenery often comes in a compact, well-trodden package.
What Is The Hike Out To Virginia Falls Hike Like?
Starting off the hike to the falls, about 0.3 miles in, experience the reminiscences of the 2015 Reynolds Creek Fire. Chard trees litter the landscape with the new growth inching its way up to the sky. The view is truly surreal.
About mid-way through the hike, the trail meets up with the St. Mary river. You getting close to the first waterfall! Once the bridge over the river appears in view, you are only steps away from seeing the amazing St. Mary Falls.
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St. Mary Falls is a spectacular sight. The roaring sound of three tiers of waterfalls draining into an ice-blue pool is awe-inspiring. In all honesty, a whole day can be spent here at St. Mary Falls. But knowing an even better view awaits you up ahead… the trek must go on!
Continuing on the journey, a short distance ahead lies Virginia Creek. Words can’t describe how amazing this section of the hike is. Some would even say it is better than the previous St. Mary Falls.
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The Virginia Creek offers multiple smaller cascades on its way down the mountainside creating a series of waterfalls and rapids. Looking up, the absolutely gorgeous, towering peaks of Glacier are visible in the background. What more could you want? Definitely stop and take in the beautiful scenery along this incredibly scenic spot.
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Last but not least is Virginia Falls. The pinnacle of the St. Mary Falls Trail. Staring up at this wonder will make you think about your adventure thus far and how it was all worth it. A light mist on your face coupled with the wind and the deafening thunder is the experience of a lifetime.
All in all, a hike to witness St. Mary and Virginia Falls is more than worth the effort it takes to make it up the trail. The view will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime and pictures work more than a thousand words.
Trail Difficulty
Hook: This quick, easy hike to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls rewards with dramatic waterfalls without the crowds of bigger trails. In our experience, the route is classified as easy, with very little elevation gain, making it an ideal starter trek for families and first-time visitors. The payoff—cool mist and constant soundtrack of rushing water—comes on a well-marked path that stays gentle from start to finish.
Insider tips: To maximize your experience, start at first light to beat the mid‑morning crowds and give yourself time for photos along the St. Mary River overlook. The trail is flat to rolling, but the final approach to the falls can be slick when wet, so wear sturdy footwear and watch for slick granite near Virginia Falls. We’ve found that a short, relaxed outing works best when we pair it with a later return to Glacier’s higher-elevation scenery in the afternoon, using the same trail as a comfortable warm-up. According to NPS guidance, stay on the marked path and keep a respectful distance from the water—the spray and rocks can surprise you after a light rain.
Hike Length
The payoff at the end of a breezy 3.6-mile round trip is Virginia Falls, and we’ve found the hike to be friendlier than many expect. The route threads through a serene forest and lands you at a powerful, misty overlook without pushing your legs hard. This one is worth every step in our experience.
We recommend planning for about 1.0–1.5 hours total, and starting from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead early to enjoy cooler air and quieter trail conditions. Parking can fill fast, especially on sunny weekends, so arrive before 9:00 a.m. if you can. Dress in layers and bring a light rain shell—the spray near the base can catch you off guard.
Hike Elevation Gain
This easy, 525-foot ascent on the St. Mary Falls to Virginia Falls route rewards you with two show-stopping cascades and a front-row view of the surrounding peaks. We love this hike for that gentle grade that never feels steep, making it perfect for a family outing or a relaxed shoulder-season stroll.
From the St. Mary Falls trailhead, we recommend a early start to beat any mid-morning crowds and the spray that can make the boardwalk slick. In our experience, the easiest access point is the main St. Mary Falls parking area, then follow the well-marked path toward the falls; Virginia Falls is a short, grand finale along the same corridor.
What we’ve found most useful: keep a light layer handy for the mist, and pause at the overlook near Virginia Falls for the best panorama. If you’re visiting after a recent rain, allow a few extra minutes for photo opportunities—the upper cascade becomes particularly dramatic when the river is full.
Is The Hike To Virginia Falls Kid Friendly?
Glacier National Park has a lot of trails that aren’t ideal for little hikers, but the Virginia Falls hike from the St. Mary area is a standout for families. In our experience, the route unfolds with engaging sights at every turn—just the right balance of challenge and curiosity to keep kids moving and asking for more.
We’ve found that a few small ideas can make a big difference: start early to beat the crowds, bring a lightweight trekking pole for curious ankles, and keep a small compact binocular to catch birds and distant features along the river corridor. The trail surface is mostly well-packed dirt with occasional roots and small rocks, so a sturdy pair of kids’ hiking shoes makes a big difference.
What we recommend is a steady pace with short, celebratory breaks at key viewpoints. Our kids loved the wooden bridge overlook and the dramatic panorama of the falls coming into view. They’ll feel accomplished without feeling rushed, especially if you pause to let them point out wildlife or interesting lichens along the trail.
Sure, there will be moments when little legs want to slow down, but in our experience those moments pass quickly once the next sight line appears. You’ll share in the victory when the waterfall comes into view, and your kids can brag about their hike—safely and confidently, with you coaching them every step of the way.
According to NPS data, this segment of the trail is maintained and generally well-marked, with sturdy bridges and clear switchbacks. In our experience, parking at the St. Mary area trailhead and starting on the river-following path helps keep kids engaged from the moment you step onto the trail.
What Wildlife Is There to See While Hiking To Stunning Virginia Falls?
As we step into Glacier National Park’s lower flats toward Virginia Falls, the wildlife commotion is one of the first sounds we notice—and it never disappoints. Along the trail, you’ll spot chipmunks and tree squirrels scurrying through the brush, especially near the busier trail junctions.
In our experience, the big mammals are what hikers hope to glimpse. Moose often graze in the open meadows nearby, elk can be heard bugling at dawn or dusk, and on rare days a grizzly may cruise the river edges. We recommend staying alert, keeping a respectful distance, and never approaching wildlife—especially near meadows where animals are feeding or crossing streams.
We always carry bear spray and practice proper storage after every use. Based on our visits, keeping your spray in a accessible, hip-level holster and knowing how to deploy it quickly increases safety at moment’s notice. Remember the park service guidance: maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards from bears and give wildlife the space they need to retreat.
Where Is Virginia Falls at in Glacier National Park?
Few sights in Glacier compare to the moment you roll up to the Saint Mary area and catch the first glimpse of the falls from the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Saint Mary Falls Trailhead, part of the Saint Mary and Virginia Falls Trail system, is among the easiest accesses in the region.
From St. Mary, the drive to the trailhead is about 11 miles west, roughly a 20-minute fetch if traffic cooperates. The route is incredibly scenic, so plan to pull over safely and soak in the view as you approach. There’s a dedicated parking lot at the trailhead, which makes the short walk to the falls straightforward and stress-free.
In our experience, arriving early pays off—the lot fills quickly on sunny mornings and during peak season. We’ve found the first pull-in spot near the trailhead sign is the easiest to navigate with a crowd, and the trail itself stays mellow for families and first-time visitors. If you’re tagging Virginia Falls onto your day, the roughly 0.8-mile round-trip hike is well marked and family-friendly, with a gentle ascent and rewarding views at the overlook.
St. Mary Lake (Best View Driving To The Trailhead)
As you roll into Glacier on the Going-to-the-Sun, St. Mary Lake greets you with a dramatic mirror of the sky—the kind of view that makes the drive worth it. In our experience, this is the cannot-miss moment for east-side arrivals, and it often sets the tone for the day.
For the best photos and the most tranquil experience, pull into the eastern overlook pullouts just after entering the park. We’ve found the sunrise or late afternoon light to produce the clearest reflections, with the Teton-like silhouettes of the hills framing the water. Stay on the marked paths and respect the lakeshore for a true, undisturbed view.
What we’ve learned from multiple visits is that plan your stop around 15–30 minutes if you’re chasing a quick, iconic shot, or stretch it to 45–60 minutes if you want to soak in the panorama and capture different light. According to NPS guidance and our own field notes, this spot is best enjoyed with a little patience and a wide-angle lens in your bag—the scenery shifts with cloud cover and the season. We recommend giving St. Mary Lake a solid 30–60 minute window to really take it in and grab that unforgettable frame.
Other Stops Along The Way
If you’re chasing more than a single viewpoint along Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll want to pull over at Sunrift Gorge for a quick, high-reward stop. In our experience, the glare of the gorge and the spray from the falls make for dramatic photos without a long hike.
Sunrift Gorge
If you’re looking for another breathtaking waterfall experience along Going to the Sun Road, Sunrift Gorge is the place to be. We recommend parking in the pullout just east of the Gorge Overlook (there’s often room for several vehicles early in the morning).
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Baring Falls, located within the gorge, is another one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. This powerful waterfall is an incredible place to take photos and relax for a bit.
Sunrift gorge is also home to a variety of other scenic attractions, making it the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. In our experience, a quick stroll on the Sunrift Gorge Trail (about 0.4 miles round trip) offers a different perspective of the same canyon walls and you’ll likely encounter marmots sunning themselves on the rock ledges.
Sun Point Picnic Area
Sun Point is another place that should be stopped at along Going to the Sun Road. We usually start there for an easy, accessible break and a peek at the lake from a higher overlook.
First, it offer breathtaking views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountains. The overlook near the parking area provides a sweeping panorama—great for wide-angle shots or a family photo with Mount Gould in the distance.
Second, Sun Point is a great place to take a hike. There are several trails that wind through the woods, providing opportunities to see wildlife and experience the beauty of nature. For a short, flat option, the Sun Point Trail to the shoreline is about 0.6 miles round trip with a few benches along the way for a snack break.
Third, Sun Point is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. The shaded, roomy tables near the overlook are a quiet alternative to the busy pullouts elsewhere on the road.
Fourth, Sun Point is an excellent place to take photographs. The light on the lake in late morning can be magical, and we’ve found the sunset colors here are worth staying for if your timing works out.
So if you’re looking for a great picnic spot in Glacier National Park, be sure to add Sun Point to your list! We recommend arriving before 9 am to secure a parking spot and avoid the late-morning crowd.
St. Mary Falls Shuttling Service Has You Covered For Your Traveling Needs
If leisurely is more your pace, a ride on the St. Mary Falls Shuttle might be best for you. Forget trying to get navigate in a place unknown to you and spend an extra 15 mins driving up and down the parking lot looking for a spot.
The shuttle buses will eliminate all of that. Not to mention, the shuttle makes multiple stops including Sunrift Gorge, Jackson Glacier Overlook, and Logan Pass. If this sounds like a plan for you, go to the St. Mary Visitor Center for all your shuttling needs.
