St Mary and Virginia Falls

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.8 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
190 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.6
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Views from  St Mary and Virginia Falls hike in Glacier National Park, Montana

St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail is a pleasant hike near Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. These family-friendly routes include a tranquil waterfall and a more dramatic one, along with gentle climbs through a lush green forest.

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Route Description for St Mary and Virginia Falls

Start the St Mary and Virginia Falls hike descending through a recently burned forest with views up to Mahtotopa Mountain and Little Chief Mountain. The well signposted trail is wide and has few obstructions.

After a 1.0 km, you will reach the St. Mary River and shortly hear the roaring of St. Mary falls. A few hundred meters later you will reach the bridge crossing right in front of the falls. The stunning three level falls are worth a few minutes to soak in. If this is as far as you are going take in the mist then return the way you came.

Continuing along the trail leads to Virginia Falls. The path starts to climb gently as you enter a dense, lush forest. The trail becomes slightly narrower, but is still clear and well signposted. You will pass a small series of waterfalls, however these are not Virginia Falls. They are nonetheless photogenic and give great views of Little Chief Mountain behind them.

Finally, you will reach the end of the trail where the 15 m Virginia fall lies. The gorgeous mist that rolls from the falls are fantastic on hot August days. The multilayer falls have multiple viewpoints, all very stunning. From Virginia Falls, you can see Goat Mountain peaking out above the trees from across the valley.

Return the way you came and make sure to take the turnoff towards the St. Mary parking lot, not to the shuttle stop!

Trail highlights

St Mary Falls

Located in Glacier National Park, Montana, the Saint Mary Falls are a three-tiered waterfall that plunges 11 m into a churning pool of glacier water below. While there are a few other waterfalls that can be found within the park, these are few and far between, making the easily accessible Saint Mary Falls a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Virginia Falls

Along with the Saint Mary Falls, the Virginia Falls are one of the few easily-accessible waterfalls within Glacier National Park and both can be witnessed along the same hike! Dropping roughly 15 m over a near-vertical rock wall, the cascading water of the falls crash down onto the rock below and flow downstream along Virginia Creek, providing a picturesque view for hikers in the area.

Find more epic hikes in Glacier National Park

Getting to the St Mary and Virginia Falls Trailhead

Enter through the St. Mary Entrance Station and continue along the Going-To-The-Sun Road 17.0 km until you see the trailhead for St. Mary Falls. Park in the small parking lot if you can, or try to find a spot along the road elsewhere. This short hike can be done in the evening when the crowds are thinner.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June through October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Trailhead

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

St Mary and Virginia Falls Elevation Graph

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St Mary and Virginia Falls Reviews

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