Saint Mary Lake Trail

Overview

This is the south‑shore path that strings together two of the park’s crowd‑pleasers (St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls) before slipping beyond the masses to wide‑open views over Saint Mary Lake. The classic outing is 7.2 miles round trip, moderate, from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead to a rock outcrop overlook and back. If you only want the waterfalls, turn around at Virginia Falls for a 3.6‑mile round trip. Hardcore hikers can keep going along the lakeshore toward Red Eagle Lake for a very long day (the full out‑and‑back to Red Eagle Lake is about 20.5 miles).

Route and scenery

From the St. Mary Falls Trailhead, you’ll descend gently through the 2015 Reynolds Creek burn—translation: fewer trees, bigger mountain-and-lake panoramas. St. Mary Falls comes up first (about a mile in), then Virginia Falls another 0.6 miles up‑canyon with cool mist and slick rock near the spray. Past Virginia, the trail quiets down, weaving by unnamed cascades and brushy sections to a rock outcrop with sweeping views of Saint Mary Lake. On clear days, look for Going‑to‑the‑Sun Mountain, Matahpi Peak, and Goat Mountain across the water.

Difficulty and conditions

Grade is friendly overall, with the return trending uphill. Footing is straightforward, but rocks and boardwalks near the waterfalls can be slick. Expect sun exposure due to the burn and occasional muddy patches. Beyond Virginia Falls, sections can be overgrown and brushy. If you push all the way to Red Eagle Lake, it’s a long, brushy, moderate‑hard day by distance.

Nature notes

This corridor is great for summer wildflowers like fleabane, yellow columbine, geranium, and asters. Watch the streams for American dippers. Deer are common, and both black bears and grizzlies range here—carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Best time to hike

Late June through September, with the most stable footing and lower creek levels later in summer. Mornings beat the parking rush and midday heat; evenings bring softer light and thinner crowds past Virginia Falls. If you’re tempted by a swim or cliff jump at St. Mary Falls, conditions are safest in late summer when runoff is low, but swift water always demands caution. A separate cliff‑jumping spot near Virginia Creek is not recommended.

Logistics

Parking at the St. Mary Falls Trailhead is limited—go early or ride the park shuttle to the St. Mary Falls stop. There’s also signed parking a short walk from the shuttle stop. Expect crowds to Virginia Falls and relative solitude beyond. Bathrooms are available along this corridor, but facilities are otherwise limited once you leave the falls area. In peak summer, vehicle reservations may be required for parts of the park; check current rules. No trail‑specific permit is needed for day hikes; backcountry camping at Red Eagle Lake requires a permit.

Essentials and gotchas

• Length: 7.2 miles round trip to the lake overlook (waterfalls add no extra beyond this route). The popular waterfalls‑only option is 3.6 miles round trip.
• Bring sun protection and extra water—shade is sparse.
• Rocks near the falls are slick; mind the edges and keep kids close.
• This is classic bear country; make noise in brushy sections.