St. Mary and Virginia Falls

Trail
1.80 Miles
N/A
N/A
3point5stars (3.75)2
1point5stars (1.75)
1point5stars (1.50)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Browning
Glacier
Photos
One of the best Falls in the park!
Of the waterfalls we hiked, this one was the best! Beautiful area with lots of scenic views. Make sure you follow the trail to the end to get here. (Photo by MikeHikes)
St Mary Falls
Gorgeous falls with blue-green water. Be prepared for the crowds! (Photo by MikeHikes)
From a Distance
Virginia Falls as seen from a distance along the trail as we hike back to the trailhead. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Virginia Falls
Coppertone and me at the base of Virginia Falls hike turnaround point. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Almost fearless
This deer wasn't too concerned by us at all, as long as we were a least a bit more than an arm's length away. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
High up
Coppertone particularly enjoyed sitting along this waterfall given the decent drop, providing lots of white noise, misty air and a commanding view. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
So many waterfalls
Coppertone found this waterfall between the two provided a great spot to sit and relax. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
St. Mary Falls
St. Mary Falls, the first of the two falls that give their name to the trail. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Log Entries
Glacier National Park - St Mary and Virgina Falls
By MikeHikes on 9/10/2017
Rating: 4point5stars Difficulty: 1point5stars Solitude: halfstar
Distance: 4.10 Miles Duration: N/A

 

The trail is described in detail in various books and websites related to Glacier National Park; this report deals with my impression of the trail. 

This is a not too difficult and very pleasant hike with gorgeous scenery!

The St Mary Falls parking area is pretty small so get there early or take a park shuttle.  The trail is hard packed dirt and small rock for the most part that meanders through an area that had been burned in the not too distant past - lots of burned pine trees still standing.  As always watch for park inhabitants!  We saw a mule deer come down the trail so we stopped, she moved off the trail and grazed as we passed; we were close enough to touch her (but didn't) so the deer are used to people.

Walking along the trail, we noticed some "sour" smells from the vegetation but could find no single cause.  When we spoke to a park ranger later they said it could have been "sour weed".  Not a pleasant smell but not overpowering either.

Eventually you come to St Mary Falls and cross on a bridge.  This falls has blue-green water and was flowing quite heavily when we were there.  LOTS of people as it is very picturesque.  Photo attached.

Continue on the trail and you will pass two areas some people might mistake for Virginia Falls - we saw lots of people soaking their feet and relaxing at these two areas.  Continue to follow the somewhat steep in places trail to it's end at Virginia Falls. Both falls are beautiful but I prefer Virgina Falls - it is much taller and the surrounding views are much more impressive (IMO). 

Return to the parking area along the same route and make sure you stop at the two areas below Virgina Falls! 

 

 

 

A welcome break
By Austin Explorer on 8/31/2003
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 2point5stars
Distance: 3.32 Miles Duration: 3 hours, 17 minutes

After setting a blistering pace in yesterday's hike we elected for something a bit shorter and more leisurely today.  The easier trail also meant more people, but one can still find some solitude here and there.

Our most impressive animal encounter on the day was a deer who, though wary, had grown quite used to humans and only required a few feet of space in separation to feel safe enough to forage.

Virginia Falls was impressive and we sat for some time just looking at it.  A bit further downstream we also tried a competition to see who could leave their bare feet in the ice cold water the longest.

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