Twin waterfall attractions along a short scenic trail where turquoise glacial water cascades over colorful rock formations surrounded by forested mountain terrain.
Road access typically available from late June through early fall
Motorcycle: $30
Individual (walk/bike): $20
Children under 16: Free
Columbia Falls, MT (approx. 35 miles)
How to Get There
From St. Mary (10 mi): Enter the park and drive west along Going-to-the-Sun Road for about 10 miles to the St. Mary Falls parking area, then follow the short trail to reach both waterfalls along Virginia Creek.
Overview
The St. Mary and Virginia Falls trail offers one of the most rewarding short hikes in Glacier National Park, leading visitors to two distinct waterfalls in less than a mile. Starting from a roadside trailhead, the path descends gently through a forested landscape toward St. Mary Falls, where vibrant blue waters plunge over layered rock formations. The striking color of the water, created by glacial silt suspended in the flow, contrasts beautifully with the dark rock and surrounding greenery.
Continuing a short distance upstream, Virginia Falls presents a more powerful cascade as water rushes through a narrow rocky channel before dropping into a turbulent pool below. The sound of rushing water echoes through the trees, creating an immersive sensory experience that highlights the raw energy of Glacier’s waterways. Together, these accessible waterfalls showcase the dramatic beauty of the park while remaining easily reachable for visitors of all skill levels.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Glacier National Park and related waterfall resources, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
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