Hiking at Glacier National Park can be intimidating, especially if you’re not experienced. Luckily, some of the most gorgeous trails at Glacier are also some of the easiest to find and the most beginner-friendly. For a beautiful day hike that will leave you breathless only because of its stunning scenery, check out the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail. It isn’t every day you can gaze at two beautiful waterfalls in three miles.
You’ll find the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail off of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Tracy Kossler / alltrails.com The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find—just look for signs pointing to St. Mary Falls.
The official length of the trail is 3.1 miles, and it’s a beginner-friendly adventure.
Molly Walkup / alltrails.com You’ll start by passing through a forest of firs, spruces, and cedars, winding along the water.
It won’t be long before you reach St. Mary Falls.
Jacqueline Prows / alltrails.com St. Mary Falls drops about 50 feet over two tiers. Due to its unique look, it’s one of the most popular waterfalls in the park.
Make sure you take in the views of St. Mary Falls from the nearby bridge that crosses the creek.
Suzanne Storer / alltrails.com You’ll get the best views that way.
As you continue, you’ll see several more small waterfalls along the way.
Jacqueline Prows / alltrails.com While there are over 120 named waterfalls in Montana, there are also plenty of unnamed cascades.
Next on the trail is Virginia Falls, which sits at the end of Virginia Creek.
Gridharan Iyengar / alltrails.com Virginia Falls is the taller of the two waterfalls, although St. Mary Falls is a bit more powerful.
If you love waterfalls, this three-mile hike is the best way to spend a day at Glacier.
John Bujnak / alltrails.com Just make sure to start early if you can. It’s a popular hike, and you’ll want plenty of peace and quiet to enjoy your surroundings.
Do you have a favorite hike at Glacier National Park? We’d love to hear about it in the comments! You’re also welcome to tell us about it on our nomination page.
Tracy Kossler / alltrails.com
The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find—just look for signs pointing to St. Mary Falls.
Molly Walkup / alltrails.com
You’ll start by passing through a forest of firs, spruces, and cedars, winding along the water.
Jacqueline Prows / alltrails.com
St. Mary Falls drops about 50 feet over two tiers. Due to its unique look, it’s one of the most popular waterfalls in the park.
Suzanne Storer / alltrails.com
You’ll get the best views that way.
While there are over 120 named waterfalls in Montana, there are also plenty of unnamed cascades.
Gridharan Iyengar / alltrails.com
Virginia Falls is the taller of the two waterfalls, although St. Mary Falls is a bit more powerful.
John Bujnak / alltrails.com
Just make sure to start early if you can. It’s a popular hike, and you’ll want plenty of peace and quiet to enjoy your surroundings.
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Address: Saint Mary Falls, Montana 59417, USAAddress: Virginia Falls, Montana 59417, USA
