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St. Mary / Virginia Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.6 (87) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. MT
  3. …Northwestern Montana
  4. …Glacier National Park
  5. St. Mary
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“A highly-visited hike to a pair of powerful, rushing falls that make for a nice out-and-back route. ”

Jake Bramante
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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.0

KM

Out and Back

4,841' 1,476 m

High

4,555' 1,388 m

Low

467' 142 m

Up

467' 142 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

44%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Family Friendly While both falls are very popular with families, the trip to St. Mary Falls itself is wonderful and an easy outing.

Bring bear spray.

Overview

This is one of the more popular day hikes in the St. Mary Valley. The route starts with a descent before meandering on level ground to St. Mary Falls, then up Virginia Creek to the taller Virginia Falls. Both falls are great spots to take pictures and to let the mist cool you down on a hot day.

Need to Know

This trail is very popular during the summer, so plan on either coming early in the morning or in the evening or taking the park's shuttle.

Description

To access this hike, if driving, park at the signed parking lot just east of the shuttle stop. Follow the signs down the horse trail cutoff to the Piegan Pass Trail and head west until you meet up with the St. Mary Lake Trail. If using the park shuttle, take it to the St. Mary Falls Trailhead. Head southwest on the St. Mary Lake Trail, descending through the forest.

After strolling through the recent burn with new views for just under a mile from the St. Mary Falls trailhead, you'll join up alongside the St. Mary River and follow it up to St. Mary Falls with a bridge over the river. All of the falls and cascading pools make for a wonderful water feature that is intricate and fascinating.

From here, continue on the trail for another two-thirds of a mile up Virginia Creek to see more small falls that lead up to Virginia Falls. It is a fairly tall waterfall that plummets with great energy. Look for the viewing platform that can be accessed using a small spur trail that is worth the short stroll. An outhouse on the other side of Virginia Creek across the bridge is available as well.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Flora & Fauna

Due to the recent burn, the forest has been replaced by wonderful forest flowers. Birding is great in this area and deer, bear, or moose may be seen.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Glacier National Park

Shared By:

Jake Bramante
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Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 87 votes

#3

in St. Mary

#70

Overall
  4.6 from 87 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in St. Mary

#6

in Montana

#70

Overall
92 Views Last Month
4,758 Since Jun 14, 2016
Intermediate
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Photos

St Mary's Falls.
Jan 21, 2016 near Rising Sun, MT
The trail as it crosses over St. Mary River. There are beautiful views of the mountains through the burnt trees.
Sep 3, 2018 near Rising Sun, MT
Virginia Falls.
Jun 2, 2016 near Rising Sun, MT
St. Mary's Falls in the morning.
Sep 3, 2018 near Rising Sun, MT
Virginia Falls from the viewpoint. A lot of mist kicks up, so be prepared to get wet!
Sep 3, 2018 near Rising Sun, MT
The trail as it passes through an area of new growth as the area recovers from old fire damage.
Sep 2, 2018 near Rising Sun, MT

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Check-Ins

Oct 1, 2022
Maria D
Sep 25, 2022
Brett Wolfley
Sep 24, 2022
Anna Young
St. Mary falls only 2.1mi — 0h 52m
Aug 28, 2022
Hailey Haynes
6.8mi
Aug 15, 2022
Clark Schierle
Aug 5, 2022
Brian Baker
Jul 19, 2022
Elizabeth Worthington
Did it
Jul 15, 2022
Shannon Betzer
Loved this hike with all the waterfalls and trees! Great afternoon hike! 3.5mi

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