Saint Mary Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.7 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Saint Mary Falls
Saint Mary Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It features a multi-tiered cascade with vibrant turquoise water, fed by glacial runoff. The falls are surrounded by lush forest and rugged mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Saint Mary Falls sits at 4,560 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the St. Mary River, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Saint Mary Falls is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a forested area with occasional views of St. Mary Lake before reaching the falls. The trail is shaded and offers a pleasant hiking experience.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a short, scenic hike leading to a breathtaking waterfall. The vibrant blue-green water of the falls is a highlight, and the surrounding forest provides a serene atmosphere. The area may be crowded during peak summer months.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Saint Mary Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on trails, lakeshores or in the backcountry in Glacier National Park; leashed pets may stay in developed areas like roads and campgrounds.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A reservation is required to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season (May through September). Additionally, a Glacier National Park entrance fee is required.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Saint Mary Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is accessible, and the waterfall flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Glacier National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Be cautious of wildlife, including bears, and carry bear spray. The trail can be slippery near the falls, so watch your footing. Check weather conditions before visiting, as sudden changes are common in the mountains.
Current Water Conditions
100 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 76 years of record
1.98 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge St. Mary River near Babb MT (23 km away).
Today
Moderate
100 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
100 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
103 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
97 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
99 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
100 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
93 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Saint Mary hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Saint Mary Falls Frozen?
Updated about 3 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 2 more freezing days forecast
Saint Mary Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 35°F. 2 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 2 of the next 7
- Flow
- 105 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Montana.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 104 feet of descent through Saint Mary Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 4,524 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 76 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 62 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,524 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 104 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Saint Mary Falls is accessed via the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. The trailhead is located near the St. Mary Lake area, with a small parking lot available nearby.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited parking is available at the trailhead. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Elevation
4,560 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.667952° N, -113.615434° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy in spring or after rain. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area is in a mountainous region.
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This easy 1.7 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
St. Mary Village
Chief Mountain Cabins
Glacier Borealis - 27’ Glamping Trailer by Glacier
Walsh Cottage on the shores of Lake McDonald
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Avalanche Campground
9.3 miles away · 91 sites
Overview Avalanche campground is located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers. However, only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. All sites require a reservation. Most sites have a 6-month booking window with a good handful having a 4-day booking window. Recreation Avalanche is in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. Two p
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Virginia Falls (a short hike further along the same trail), St. Mary Lake, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as deer, bears, and various bird species. Always carry bear spray and follow park guidelines for wildlife safety.
Cities near Saint Mary Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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