We Hiked St Mary and Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park. Want a TOUR?

This might be Glacier National Park’s most popular waterfall hike but, what you don’t know about St Mary and Virginia Falls could make this hike memorable for the wrong reasons.  Come on a hike with us to discover 13 things you should know about the St Mary and Virginia Falls Trail to plan your epic waterfall adventure.  Let’s Get Started.  To watch the video version of this post click here or continue reading below

Glacier is packed with adventure so the first question you may ask as we begin the trail might be 

Is the Hike to St Mary and Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park Worth it?  

The hike to St Mary and Virginia Falls is one of the park’s most accessible and rewarding trails, offering a relatively easy walk with a big scenic payoff. In just a few miles round trip, you’ll get to experience not one, but two stunning waterfalls each with its own character. St. Mary Falls is a beautiful turquoise cascade framed by rock walls and forest, while Virginia Falls is taller and more dramatic, often throwing off cool mist that feels great on a hot summer day.  Along the way, the trail winds through recovering forestland that was affected by wildfire in past years which we will detail later, offering a unique look at how the landscape regenerates. Wildflowers bloom along the path in mid-summer, and wildlife sightings are possible, including birds, deer, and even the occasional bear. But, did you know many times on the trail you can see Virginia Falls in the distance.  Because it’s popular, the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great choice for families and beginner hikers.

Now that you’ve made the decision to explore the trail we’ll discuss the difficulty and later we’ll tell you whether to bring your swimsuit.  

Is the Trail to St Mary and Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park Easy?

While there are some uphill sections and rocky stretches (especially as you approach Virginia Falls), the trail has little elevation gain and is well-maintained. If you can comfortably walk a few miles, this hike is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Glacier without tackling more strenuous terrain.  The trail is considered easy to moderate, making it accessible to most hikers, including families with kids or older adults.  As you can see the trail you might be wondering

Was There a Wildfire Near St Mary and Virginia Falls?  

There was a notable wildfire near the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail area—back in 2015, the Reynolds Creek Fire burned approximately 4,000–5,000 acres on the east side of Glacier National Park, about 4 miles west of the St. Mary Visitor Center The flames destroyed the historic Sun Camp Fireguard Cabin and prompted evacuations and trail closures in the St. Mary Valley area Though the trail to Saint Mary Falls and Virginia Falls winds through woodland areas that are recovering you can still see many dead trees the fire left behind

To make it easier we’ll share with you what gear to take with you next and follow that up with trail length.  But stay until later to learn the hidden deadly danger on the trail.  

What Gear Should You Take to Hike St Mary and Virginia Falls Trail?  

Even though the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail is relatively short and considered easy to moderate, having the right gear will make your hike more comfortable and safe. Start with a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners, as the trail can be rocky, muddy, and slippery near the waterfalls. If you have any balance issues or need a little extra support consider trekking poles.  Since you're in bear country, it's essential to carry bear spray and keep it easily accessible but you likely won’t need it. Bring plenty of water and a light snack to enjoy at the falls, especially on warmer days when the trail can get hot in exposed areas. A lightweight rain jacket or wind shell is a smart addition, since Glacier’s weather can change quickly, and you don’t want to be caught in a sudden shower unprepared. Sun protection is also important, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as most of the trail offers little shade. A small daypack will help you carry everything comfortably, but make sure it has a hydration bladder to make drinking on the go easier. Bug spray is another useful item—mosquitoes are often present near the water in summer. Don’t forget your smartphone or camera to capture the beautiful scenery, and be sure to download an offline trail map or use a hiking app, bring a compass and flashlight just in case.  Here are examples of the gear our brood hiked with in Glacier National Park.    

The Guide Book we used for Glacier: https://amzn.to/4oKGV4j

Best Glacier Day Hiking Trail Map: https://amzn.to/3BX7v6y Best Multitool for hiking: https://youtu.be/J9k6WCw4PT0

Teton Sports Hydration Pack Video Review: https://youtu.be/KEBrYwp8RQk

Amazon Link: 2021 model https://amzn.to/3SnKcGR

2022 model https://amzn.to/3vIogMZ

Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E hydration backpack Video Review for younger hikers: https://youtu.be/WbRgZr6C20g

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3Zpj91p

Merrell Moab II Men's Hiking Shoes: https://amzn.to/3Ardw8k

The First Aid Kit we carry: https://amzn.to/3Lcvu2h

Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3DHj54L

Tactical Flashlights: https://amzn.to/3QLY25T

Compass: https://amzn.to/3GahGU5

Rescue Rope: https://amzn.to/3ZTLnTW

We’ll discuss parking next but most people like to know 

How Long is the Hike to St Mary and Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park?

The hike to Virginia Falls is about 3 miles round-trip if you start at the St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop, or closer to 3.5 miles if you begin at the Sun Point parking area. It’s an out-and-back trail, and many people choose to stop at St. Mary Falls before continuing the extra 0.8 miles to Virginia Falls. For some reason the hike from St Mary to Virginia Falls seemed a lot longer for us.  But the stunning waterfall views and moderate elevation gain make it a favorite among families and casual hikers.  We’ll show Virginia Falls closer to the end of this post so that you know why you are making the hike up from St Mary Falls.  

Can you swim at the falls will come a bit later but now that we discussed the two trailheads 

Where do you Park for St Mary and Virginia Falls Trail in Glacier National Park?

Parking can be a challenge, especially in the peak summer months. There just isn’t a lot of parking spots for this trail.  The most common access points are the St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop or the Sun Point parking area where there are only 13 spots.  But both stops are located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot at Sun Point early in the morning, you can turn the hike into a scenic out-and-back. Otherwise, the park shuttle system is a good alternative to avoid the stress of limited parking.  You may have to drive by a few times or go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to find a place to park.  A little trick that worked for us was to hang around in the early afternoon and grab a spot as another family pulled out.  But, let’s continue with the parking lot and ask 

Are There Bathrooms at the St Mary and Virginia Falls Trailhead in Glacier National Park?

There are vault toilets available at the Sun Point parking area and the St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop, but there are no restrooms along the trail itself. If you're starting from the shuttle stop, use the facilities there before beginning your hike. But, we waited forever as there was a line and people just seemed to take a long time.  Anyway, It’s always a good idea to bring your own hand sanitizer and toilet paper just in case supplies are low even though the park service did a nice job and kept things clean while we were visiting.

Are you liking this walk and talk format?  We share all of our trips in this way to help you plan your first trip.  Subscribe today to our YouTube Channel so that when you search a park we’ve been to our videos come up at the top of your search results.  Ok let’s get back to the list and 

Can you Swim at St Mary or Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park?

It may be tempting to jump into the icy waters on a hot summer day, but swimming isn’t recommended. The water flowing from the mountains is extremely cold, even in August, and currents near the falls can be deceptively strong. While it’s safe to dip your feet in calmer sections of the creek below St Mary Falls, be cautious and always prioritize safety near fast-moving water.  But, we did see and have heard of people jumping into the water below St Mary falls.  When the water is flowing slow this does seem like a reasonable risk for some fun.  

Every good hiking post needs a dad joke. Since we are hiking waterfalls and sometime see a rainbow here you go. 

Where do rainbows go when they've been bad? To prism, so they have time to reflect on what they've done.

Here are dad joke books for great gifts: Dad Jokes Around the Campfire: https://amzn.to/3JinFJ2 600 Funniest Dad Jokes: https://amzn.to/3EPGv7D To view any product mentioned by us in our videos and blog posts, click this link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/campbrood As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Ok back to the list and 

When is the Best Time to Visit St Mary and Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park?

The trail typically becomes accessible once the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens for the season, which is usually in late June or early July, depending on snowpack and weather conditions. Snow can linger well into summer, so if you're visiting in early June, check current trail conditions with the National Park Service. The trail is generally open until the road closes again in the fall, usually sometime in mid-October.  In the Spring the waterfalls will be in full force and a little more dangerous.  Later in the Summer the flow will lessen and you will have a calmer experience.  Later into the Fall you may end up in snow storms that close Going to the Sun Road.  

Which leads us to our next question

Do People Die on St Mary and Virginia Falls Trail in Glacier National Park?

While deaths on the Mary and Virginia Falls Trail are very rare, it’s important to remember that Glacier National Park is still a wild and rugged environment where accidents can happen. This trail is considered one of the park’s safer and more family-friendly hikes, but hikers should still be cautious. Wildlife encounters, including bears, are possible, though less common on such a popular trail.  Most serious incidents tend to result from risky behavior, such as climbing on rocks, ignoring safety signs, or hiking unprepared.  But, last year a 26 year old woman died when she slipped and fell into the river.  Yes, the biggest risks typically come from slipping on wet rocks near the waterfalls, especially when people try to get too close for a photo. The water, though beautiful, is extremely cold and fast-moving especially early in the season, making it dangerous for anyone who falls in. Overall, the trail is very safe when hikers use common sense and stay aware of their surroundings.  

Towards the end of this post we’ll tell you which waterfall is better but for now you may be wondering.

Is the St Mary and Virginia Falls Trail in Glacier National Park Crowded?

This is one of the most popular hikes on Glacier’s east side due to its easy access and stunning views. To avoid the crowds, try hitting the trail early in the morning or later in the evening. Using the park shuttle can also help you avoid the frustration of full parking lots.  Yes, it can be quite crowded, especially between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in July and August.  But if you get a parking spot consider yourself one of the lucky ones because once you are on the trail you will have some traffic but it's limited by the parking and shuttles.  

How do you plan to beat the crowds in Glacier National Park?  Join the conversation today and let us know in the comments.  

When we discussed the trailheads we didn’t answer

Is it Better to Start at Sun Point or the Shuttle Stop to Hike St Mary and Virginia Falls Trail?

Both trailheads are good options, and your choice may depend on shuttle availability and parking. Starting at Sun Point offers a slightly shorter route and gives you the bonus of seeing St. Mary Lake views early in the hike. The St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop is a bit farther but takes you directly to the burnt forest section. Some hikers do a one-way hike using the shuttle, starting at one trailhead and ending at the other.  We liked the longer hike and started at the parking lot.  This gave us more views of St Mary Lake and just a cool hike through the wildfire landscape. 

Which Waterfall is Better: St Mary or Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park?

Both waterfalls are beautiful, but many hikers agree that Virginia Falls is the more dramatic and rewarding destination. Mary Falls is a smaller cascade set in a wooded area and makes for a lovely stop along the way. But if you’re up for the short climb beyond Mary Falls, Virginia Falls is a tall, roaring waterfall that plunges down a cliff face, surrounded by mist and wildflowers in the summer. It’s well worth the extra effort.

To continue planning your trip to Glacier National Park read this post next!