How to Hike to St. Mary Falls at Waterton-Glacier National Park in Montana
There are many beautiful waterfalls in Glacier National Park, but several can be quite a challenge to access. One of the closest in proximity to the park road is Saint Mary Falls. There is a relatively easy descent down the side of the ridge from the trail head to the falls.
A bridge crosses the stream below the falls and a substantial stone façade allows ample room to sit and relax. The only challenge is the return to the trail head.
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Things You'll Need
- Map of Montana Map of Glacier National Park Hiking boots Water Insect repellent Sunscreen Camera
Instructions
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Saint Mary's Falls at Glacier
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Plan to visit Glacier Park during the short tourist season of late summer and early fall. Autumn obviously have less visitors, but most waterfalls are at a trickle by then. The Going-to-the-Sun Road may not open until early June.
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Drive up the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the western entrance of the park. Stop at the Logan Pass Visitor Center for trail conditions and inclement weather. Pick up some snacks while there. Small snacks are easy to pack and provide necessary nourishment before returning to the trail head.
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Plan an afternoon hike to the falls. Even during the summer months, the mornings can get chilly, especially in the narrow ravines of rivers and streams. Much of the trails are shaded in the mornings as well.
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Descend the pass toward Saint Mary Lake and the eastern entrance. Look for brown directional signs identifying Saint Mary Falls Trail head.
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Park in the trail head parking area and begin the descent. The trail follows the western ridge of Saint Mary Lake to its end. There are a few switchbacks down the ridge to the river which feeds the lake.
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Check out Baring Falls, somewhat smaller than Saint Mary Falls, yet located within the first quarter mile of the hike.
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Reach the wooden bridge that crosses the river. There are several rock outcroppings on the northern bank of the river which obscures the view of the falls. The best view is from the bridge. The bridge, however, is generally crowded.
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Continue to the southern bank and relax in the shade of a rock façade. There are many places to climb up and get a better view of the falls. The climb is easy and safe.
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Opt to continue further and visit Virginia Falls, not as wide and rapid as Saint Mary's, but it has a greater drop. The confluence of the two rivers occurs just below Saint Mary Falls and therefore the hike to Virginia requires little elevation gain.
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Begin the ascent to the trail head parking area. Drive along the lake to the Saint Mary Visitor Center and inquire about other short hikes nearby.
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