St. Mary Lake Boat Tour & Triple Waterfall Hike
Description
Enjoy a Glacier Park boat tour on St. Mary lake with a guided or self-guided hiking stop to famous waterfalls along the way. On this 3.5-hour experience in Glacier National Park you'll blend the beauty of a narrated boat cruise with the freedom of a self-paced waterfall hike during your ~2 hour stop before the return boat ride. You can explore Baring Falls, St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls on your own schedule, with a boat ride waiting to bring you back.
Your experience begins at the Rising Sun dock, where you’ll board a historic wooden vessel and set sail across one of Glacier’s most iconic lakes. Surrounded by rugged peaks, glacial waters, and sweeping views, you’ll enjoy a narrated cruise that sets the stage for what’s ahead. When you reach Baring Falls, the boat drops you off for two hours for a self-guided hike to some of the area’s most photogenic spots. If you select the 9AM departure, you have the option of joining a guide for the hiking portion of the tour.
During the two hour stop you can see the nearby Baring Falls then explore a trail that winds 1.6 miles (each way) to the misty cascades of St. Mary Falls. Want more? Venture an additional 0.8 miles to reach the roaring Virginia Falls which is taller, wilder, and worth the effort if you can hike at a solid pace. The terrain is moderate, with rolling hills and about 525 feet of elevation gain round-trip. Take photos, rest by the water, or simply breathe in the mountain air before returning to the dock for your scheduled pick-up. This family-friendly adventure is ideal for all ages. With multiple daily departures and affordable pricing, it’s a seamless way to see some of Glacier's most iconic views and waterfalls in just a few short hours. This adventure offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful lake cruise with a knowledgeable guide and a 2 hour stop to allow you to hike, picnic and enjoy 1-3 waterfalls.
Hiking Distances
- Baring Falls Hike - Approximately a quarter mile
- St. Mary Falls Hike - 3.2 miles round trip
- St. Mary Falls & Virginia Falls - 4.8 miles round trip
Boat Return Times
- 9 am tour + Hike (Guide Optional) - Return Boat Pickup 12 pm
- 11 am tour + Self-Guided Hike - Return Boat Pickup 2 pm
- 1 pm tour + Self-Guided Hike - Return Boat Pickup 4 pm
Guided vs. Self-guided hike
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is for hikers and requires that you disemdisembark at Baring Falls to enjoy two hours of time there rather than staying on the boat. If you'd prefer a shorter tour without the hiking time, please check out the Scenic St. Mary Boat Tour in which you'll only stop for ~15 minutes to see Baring Falls before you return on the same boat.
Self-guided hiking for the 2 hour stop is available at each of the three departure times. The only departure time that includes an optional guided hike is 9AM, during which you may choose to hike with one of our guides to St. Mary Falls which is 3.2 miles round trip.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or ticking off bucket-list views, this combo tour is an unforgettable way to connect with Glacier National Park. Spots fill fast during peak months, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
Non-Hiking Boat Tour & Other Options
Looking to enjoy the boat ride on St. Mary without the 2-hour hiking stop? Choose the Scenic Boat Ride option to shorten your stop at Baring Falls to just 15-20 minutes and a shortened tour of 1.5 hours vs. 3.5 hours.
If you're looking for a Glacier Park boat ride on the West side of Glacier Park instead of St. Marys, check out the Lake McDonald boat tours which begin mid-May departing from the Lake McDonald Lodge near the West Glacier entrance. We also offer the Two Medicine Boat ride which is located in the SE region of Glacier Park near East Glacier.
This tour is operated by Glacier Park Boat Company, a longtime Glacier National Park concessioner that has offered scenic boat tours since 1938. Please note that a $5/person booking fee is included to cover our online booking service and also provides you flexible cancellation, free custom itineraries and more.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vehicle reservation for this tour?
No, you do not need a vehicle reservation for accessing Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026. You may access the boat launch from either the West or East side of Going to the Sun Road.
Are restrooms available?
Restroom facilities are located near the ticket office, available before or after the tour. There are no restrooms aboard the boat.
How long is the hike to the waterfalls?
This tour allows a self-guided hike to 3 different waterfalls. Baring Falls is just a short, 5 minute hike from the boat dock. The next 2 waterfalls are a "moderate" hike with 525 feet of elevation gain on undulating terrain, total mileage round trip to St Mary Falls is 3.2 miles, and to Virginia falls is 4.8 miles.
Am I required to get off the boat and hike during this tour?
Yes, you must disembark at the falls and you will have 2 hours to hike on your own, you will have a designated pickup time. If you miss your pickup time you will need to catch the NPS Shuttle back to the parking area. If you do not want the hiking option please see the Scenic Boat Tour option that does not include the 2 hours of hiking time.
Are pets allowed on the boat tour?
Only service animals are permitted on the boat.
Is this the lake with the iconic Wild Goose Island?
While there are a number of iconic Glacier National Park photo spots, one of the most well-known is here on St. Mary Lake with Wild Goose Island proudly displayed in the middle of the lake.
Is this hike guided?
For 2026 there is a guided hike available by selecting the 9AM departure time. The 11AM and 1PM departure times are self-guided.