St. Mary Falls Glacier Park Guided Day Hike
Description
Experience one of Glacier National Park’s most iconic waterfall views on a guided hike to St. Mary Falls. This easy-to-moderate hike (~4 miles round trip) blends scenic beauty with engaging insights from an experienced Glacier Institute educator. You'll join a small group and friendly guide which includes transporation all throughout the national park and along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Forget about the stress of parking limits and white-knuckled driving as you sit back to enjoy the view from your mini-bus and hit the trails with your friendly guide.
Along the way, you'll move at a comfortable pace and stop for insights into Glacier’s geology, wildlife, and natural history as you follow the out-and-back trail to a postcard-worthy cascade, St. Mary Falls. Perfect for visitors who want an immersive Glacier National Park experience, the trip highlights how fire, water, and ice have shaped the park’s valleys, forests, and mountain silhouettes.
Your experienced guide provides lively insights along the trail and at scenic overlooks, explaining how glaciers shaped the landscape, how water moves through the park, and where to spot wildlife.
At St. Mary Falls, you’ll reach one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls, where vibrant turquoise water cuts through the rock, offering a powerful look at the forces that continue to shape Glacier today. You’ll also stop at scenic overlooks near the historic site of the Sun Point Chalet, adding a glimpse into the park’s human history alongside its natural story.
This guided hike offers a thoughtful balance of outdoor adventure and meaningful insight, making it a great choice for visitors who want a deeper connection to Glacier without taking on a strenuous backcountry hike.
What You'll Experience
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See how glaciers carved the valley and shaped St. Mary Lake—geology you can spot right from the trail
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Understand how fire and water shape Glacier’s landscapes, from waterfalls to recovering forests
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Learn simple field skills like identifying plants, spotting wildlife signs, and reading the terrain around you
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Glacier National Park Site Pass?
Yes, every group will need a Glacier National Park Site Pass. You can purchase your pass online at recreation.gov. We recommend purchasing a single 7-day Private Vehicle Pass (1 per group), this pass may also be used for entry with your own vehicle or car rental. America the Beautiful Passes are also accepted.
Should I be worried about bears?
Each guide has undergone in-depth bear safety training and is knowledgeable of numerous safety techniques. Bear and other wildlife encounters are always a possibility in Glacier National Park, and if you would like to learn more about bear safety check out our travel guide Bear Aware: How to Stay Safe in Glacier National Park.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is located in Columbia Falls, MT. Please contact Glacier Tourbase to arrange an alternate pick-up in West Glacier.
How difficult is this hike?
This guided hike to St. Mary Falls is considered moderate difficulty; 4 miles round-trip with 700 ft. elevation gain.
Is lunch included?
Trail lunches are locally made and available to purchase as an add-on during checkout. Lunches include meat & cheese sandwiches, gluten-free, and vegan options.
Is this hike family-friendly?
Yes, this hike is considered family-friendly and is suitable for most ages. We can not guarantee all participants in your group tour will have equal hiking ability. Pace and distance traveled will be determined by your guide