St. Mary Falls

Not far from the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, is St. Mary Falls.  On hot summer days, this oasis of cool water is a popular destination.

There is a small parking area for St. Mary Falls.  From there, walk about a mile to the falls.  As there was a fire in this area in 2015, it is not as shaded as it once was.  The burned yet remaining snags make for an interesting landscape, as well as habitat for many birds.

Once at the falls, take some time to sit and even swim or soak your feet.  After a bit, you may be inspired to hike up to Virginia Falls.  It is less than a mile to get there.

You may have trouble finding parking at the St. Mary Falls area.  In that case, go east about 100 yards and there is another parking area.  Walk along the road to get to the trail head.

If there is still no parking spot, travel east to Sunpoint.  There is plenty of parking there, but it is about another mile down the road.  This is a blessing in disguise, as there is a beautiful trail that takes you from Sunpoint, to Baring Falls.  From there continue along the trail to St. Mary Falls.  Because the fire cleared out so much of the foliage, St. Mary Lake is visible from the trail.  The scenery is spectacular.

As always, avoid the parking situation by taking a shuttle bus.  They run from Apgar Visitor Center as well as St. Mary Visitor Center, just inside the entrance to the park.