Glacier National Park - St Mary and Virgina Falls

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!