Adventure Glacier: Best of Glacier Package

Few hikes in Glacier National Park deliver more reward for the effort than this guided day hike to St. Mary Falls — one of the park's most photographed waterfalls and a must-do stop for any Glacier National Park itinerary. Led by an expert educator from the Glacier Institute, Glacier's official nonprofit education partner, this guided hiking tour blends an easy-to-moderate 4-mile round-trip trail along St. Mary Lake with knowledgeable insight into the geology, wildlife, and natural history that shaped this iconic corner of the Northern Rockies.

Perfect for visitors who want a deeper, more meaningful connection to Glacier National Park without committing to a strenuous backcountry trek, this guided waterfall hike pairs postcard views with the kind of local expertise and peace of mind you won't get hiking solo.

Enjoy the View, Skip the Stress

Beginning from Columbia Falls, this full-day itinerary lasts about 8 hours and includes round-trip transportation, so you can skip the parking woes and narrow turns on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Sit back and take in the scenery while your guide gives an overview of the park, wildlife, peaks, and points of interest along the way — then arrive at the trail together as a small group.

What to Expect on the Trail

This out-and-back hike to St. Mary Falls follows the upper shoreline of St. Mary Lake, with stops at Sun Point and scenic overlooks before reaching the waterfall: a vibrant set of turquoise cascades cutting through the rock. Moving at a comfortable, guided pace, you'll learn how fire, water, and ice carved Glacier's valleys and forests, explore the human history within the St. Mary Valley, and pick up field skills like identifying plants and reading wildlife signs — making this one of the best educational hikes in Glacier National Park for families and first-time visitors alike.

Hike Details

• Distance: ~4 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: ~700 ft
• Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate — family-friendly, no technical terrain
• Duration: ~8 hours door-to-door (includes scenic transportation)
• Group size: Small-group guided hike with a Glacier Institute educator

Experience the ultimate half-day whitewater raft trip near Glacier National Park! Lasting about 2-3 hours depending on the season, this experience is filled with family-friendly class II-III rapids that guarantee smiles and a fun time for everyone, all with the outstanding backdrop of Glacier.

Your expertly trained guide will provide a safety briefing before you set out for your whitewater adventure down on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. You'll enjoy the spectacular sights of Glacier National Park and the mellow waters during the first section of the float. Then, the canyon will narrow, and the fun will begin! Paddle your small group raft through a series of pools and rapids that bring plenty of excitement but mellow enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Feeling a bit warm on a hot summer day? Jump off the raft and take a quick swim or cool off when the waters are calm and safe!

If you're looking for more fun on the river, our Full-Day Whitewater Raft & Lunch trip will provide you with more scenery and more time on the water. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the riverside before hitting the rapids and ending in West Glacier.

If you prefer a more laid-back float trip, you can sit back and relax with a Scenic Float on the Flathead River.