Baring, St. Mary, and Virginia Falls in Glacier NP

This 5.4 mile out-and-back hike will take you to Baring, St. Mary, and Virginia Falls.  

Start your hike at the Sunrift Gorge parking area. Hike down the stairs on the south side of the road. Here you’ll see the trailhead for Baring Falls.

Descend until you reach the Baring Falls/Sun Point junction. Here, turn right toward Baring falls.  At 0.3 miles you’ll encounter the 25 ft. high Baring Falls.

After enjoying Baring Falls continue on the trail toward St. Mary Falls.  You’ll quickly be hiking along the southwest bank of St. Mary Lake.  The views of the lake and surrounding peaks are simply stunning.  At approximately ¾ mile from Baring Falls you’ll reach a junction for the St. Mary Falls shuttle stop.  Keep left at the junction.

Toward the end of the lake you will come across two more junctions: St. Mary Lake Trailhead and Piegan Pass.  Keep left at both junctions toward St. Mary Falls.  Cross the footbridge over the St. Mary River to view St. Mary Falls.  

Virginia Falls is another 0.8 miles past St. Mary Falls with approximately 285 ft. in elevation gain.  Make sure to check out the spur trails to get a variety of vantage points of Virginia Falls.  At 50 ft. high, Virginia Falls is arguably THE must-see waterfall in Glacier National Park.

Parking at Sunrift Gorge is extremely limited.  I highly recommend to start the hike early in the morning or utilize Glacier’s shuttle system.  The hike to St. Mary and Virginia Falls is also one of the most popular day hikes in the park.  Start early to avoid the crowds.