St. Mary Lake Boat Tour & Triple Waterfall Hike
Description
Looking for iconic Glacier Park views by boat and by trail? Blend the beauty of a narrated boat cruise with the freedom of a self-paced waterfall hike on this 3.5-hour experience in Glacier National Park. Ride across the glacial waters of St. Mary Lake, then lace up your boots and hit the trail. You’ll explore three stunning waterfalls 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 a self-guided hike to some of the area’s most photogenic spots.
You’ll have two hours to 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—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.
- 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
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 90 minute tour.
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.
Seasonality & Pricing
St Mary Lake boat tours run from early June through early September, 7-Days a week with eight different departure times ranging from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The Boat Ride + Scenic Hike option departs at 9:00AM, 11:00AM and 1:00PM while the scenic tours without the hiking stop depart at 10:00AM, noon, 2:00PM, 3:00PM, 4:00PM and 5:00 PM. Many of the tours sell out early, so if you don't see availability above, please send us an inquiry with the potentail dates that work for you and our team will see if we can find and book a date and time that work for you along with recommendations for other things to do in the area. Please note that a $5 booking fee is included in the price above and part of our service. Standard price is $40.50 for adults + $5 booking fee added in checkout, which provides you flexible cancellation, free custom itineraries and more.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vehicle reservation for this tour?
Vehicle Reservations are not required to enter the St Mary Entrance of the GTSR, and Tour Reservations at St Mary Lake will not include Vehicle Reservations to the GTSR Corridor. You must enter the park from the East entrance of the GTSR unless you obtain a Vehicle Reservation on your own to enter at West Glacier.
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 waterfa. lls. 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.