St. Mary Falls Hike

Yes. Guests have the option to add a trail lunch at checkout for themselves and/or their group. Lunch options include turkey pesto, deli beef, caprese, and vegan falafel selections, with gluten-free options available. Trail lunches are designed to be easy to carry and enjoy on the trail during your hike.

We rate Hiking Difficulty from Easy to Strenuous, with the below types of hikes.

Easy. A leisurely walk totaling no more than 3 miles throughout the day. Minimal elevation change, less than 1000 feet.

Moderate. A hike on consistent trail conditions with no more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, less than 2,000 feet.

Strenuous. A hike on variable trail conditions totaling more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, greater than 2,000 feet.

We will do our best to take you on the trail that you booked. However, Glacier National Park does occasionally close trails for a variety of reasons from weather, trail conditions, wildlife, or fires. In the case of trail closure, we will find another suitable location for your program to occur.

Yes. Each participant must have a Glacier National Park vehicle pass, which should be purchased in advance at recreation.gov.

Absolutely. Your guide provides interpretation on the geology and ecology of the landscape.

Primary Educational Theme: Fire, Water, and Ice — The Forces that Shape Glacier’s Landscapes.

Participants will explore the interconnectedness of Glacier National Park’s natural systems—how fire, water, and ice have shaped the forests, watersheds, and mountain formations we see today, and how people have historically connected with this landscape.

A minimum of 3 participants is required for the program. If the number isn’t met, guests are notified in advance and offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This hike combines natural beauty with education, allowing you to explore how fire, water, and ice have shaped the park’s landscapes. Unlike heavily trafficked trails, it offers a small-group experience that emphasizes observation, interpretation, and connection to the ecosystem.

You’ll pass St. Mary Lake’s scenic overlook, traverse a fire-affected forest revealing standing burn scars, and end at St. Mary Falls, where the force of moving water dramatically illustrates ongoing geological processes. Along the way, sweeping views of glacially carved mountains connect the past and present of the landscape.

Yes! The area is home to birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Guides highlight habitat features, so even subtle signs—like animal tracks or nesting areas—become part of the adventure.

Absolutely. Key highlights include the historic Sun Point Chalet site, Baring Falls, and the dynamic St. Mary Falls. You’ll experience firsthand how fire scars reveal forest regeneration and how water continues to sculpt the valleys and cliffs.