Virginia Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
525 ft
About Virginia Falls
Virginia Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is known for its picturesque setting amidst lush greenery and towering cliffs, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Virginia Falls sits at 4,902 feet within Glacier National Park, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 525 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Virginia Falls begins at the St. Mary Falls trailhead and passes through a forested area with views of the St. Mary River. Along the way, hikers will encounter St. Mary Falls before continuing uphill to Virginia Falls. The trail is well-maintained but includes some moderate elevation gain.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a scenic hike with opportunities to see two waterfalls, lush vegetation, and possibly wildlife. Virginia Falls is a powerful waterfall with mist that may cool hikers on warm days.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Virginia 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 Virginia Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Virginia Falls is during the summer and early fall when the trail is free of snow and the waterfalls are flowing strongly.
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 slippery rocks near the falls and stay on designated trails. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for rain or cold temperatures.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Swiftcurrent Creek, 9.8 miles away, not on Virginia Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 76 years of record
1.56 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (16 km away).
Today
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Strong
24 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
23 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
22 cfs
10/10Sat
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Best window: Thu — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, 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 Virginia Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Virginia Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 26 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 275 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,932 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 201 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 97 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,932 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 275 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Virginia Falls is accessed via the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Visitors typically park at the St. Mary Falls trailhead and hike to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the St. Mary Falls trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
4,902 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.660215° N, -113.613094° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as Glacier National Park can experience sudden temperature drops and rain.
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With 3.6 miles and 525 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Avalanche Campground
9.4 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
St. Mary Falls, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, and Hidden Lake Trail.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, mountain goats, and bears. Always maintain a safe distance and carry bear spray.
Cities near Virginia Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Virginia Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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