Glacier National Park Waterfalls: St. Mary Falls to Virginia Falls Trail

If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike in Glacier National Park, the trail from St. Mary Falls to Virginia Falls delivers big views and powerful waterfalls with a relatively modest effort. This popular trail on the east side of the park is especially spectacular in spring when snowmelt fuels the waterfalls and the forest starts to come alive.

Trail Overview

The hike begins with a gentle descent through a forested area that was once the site of a wildfire. As you make your way toward St. Mary Falls, you’re treated to panoramic views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks. You’re losing a bit of elevation at the start, but the trail remains easy and well-maintained.

First Stop: St. Mary Falls

After about 0.8 miles, you’ll reach St. Mary Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the park. The trail crosses a wooden bridge, offering a perfect vantage point to take in the stunning view. The waterfall drops in tiers, surrounded by vibrant red rock, and the water itself glows a surreal turquoise green. When I hiked it during Memorial Day Weekend, the falls were running full and fast, fed by the spring runoff—it was an unforgettable sight.

Final Climb to Virginia Falls

Continuing up the trail, you’ll begin to gain elevation, but the climb is very manageable. This stretch of trail follows a creek with multiple smaller cascading falls and offers more shade as you hike through a denser forest.

Soon, you’ll reach Virginia Falls, which has two main viewing areas. The lower view provides a grand, full-frame look at the entire waterfall from a distance. But the real magic happens at the upper viewpoint, where you’re up close and personal with the powerful chute. During my hike, the spring melt was in full swing, and the falls were absolutely roaring. The mist was intense—refreshing and soaking. By the time I left, I was almost as wet as if I’d stood in the rain.

Tips for Visiting

This trail is a favorite among Glacier visitors, especially in the peak summer months. Parking can be a challenge, particularly midday. To beat the crowds, consider starting early in the morning or heading out in the late afternoon to take advantage of Montana’s long summer evenings.

When I hiked in late spring, I encountered a few other hikers, but the crowds were nothing like what you’d see in July or August—and I had no trouble finding parking.

This is one of those hikes that packs a lot of payoff into a short distance. Whether you’re just stopping for a half-day adventure or connecting it to a longer hike from Sun Point, the St. Mary to Virginia Falls trail is a must-do in Glacier National Park.