WaterfallNear Me

Lower Virginia Falls

Glacier County, Montana

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Glacier County, Montana
Access status
Partial guide: official route reaches Virginia Falls, but the view of the lower tier is not confirmed
The walk
About 3.6 miles return to Virginia Falls (NPS: 1.8 miles one way)
Ground & access
Forest trail through a 2015 burn with little shade. NPS lists a 260-foot descent and then a 285-foot climb.
NPS: St. Mary Falls Trail

From the St. Mary Falls Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike past St. Mary Falls and climb along Virginia Creek to Virginia Falls. There are two named tiers about 40 meters apart; this guide is for the lower tier. NPS describes the route to Virginia Falls but does not say whether the trail end gives a view of the lower tier specifically.

Plan your visit

St. Mary Falls Trailhead past St. Mary Falls to Virginia Falls

NPS gives 1.8 miles one way to Virginia Falls from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead (1.6 miles from the St. Mary Falls shuttle stop). Return distance doubled from the NPS one-way figure. NPS does not say which tier of Virginia Falls the trail end views.

Forest trail through a 2015 burn with little shade. NPS lists a 260-foot descent and then a 285-foot climb.

Where to start

St. Mary Falls Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Lots fill in summer. Shuttle service changes yearly; NPS describes a ticketed shuttle pilot in 2026.

Timing & water

Snow-free season, roughly summer to early fall. Road and trail openings vary; check NPS road and trail status.

Before you go

Glacier National Park entrance pass required; NPS lists $35 per private vehicle for 7 days ($25 winter rate, November 1 to April 30). NPS says no vehicle reservations are required in 2026.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Montana

Waterfall location

Glacier County, Montana.

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