St. Mary's Falls Trail
Hike through lush forests along a creek, crossing rivers to reach a beautiful waterfall. Moderate challenge with scenic rewards.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More water flow
St. Mary's Falls Trail
Best Time
More water flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through lush forests along a creek, crossing rivers to reach a beautiful waterfall. Moderate challenge with scenic rewards.
"A beautiful hike that follows a pretty stream along the way. It was very quiet and peaceful."
Waterproof Footwear is Key
Expect to get wet! Waterproof boots or water shoes are a must for the river crossings.
Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for this moderate hike, especially with the uphill sections.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Mary's Falls
End of the trail
A beautiful cascade ending at the base of the waterfall. Worth the trek!
Creek-Side Trail
Along the entire trail
Follows a crystal-clear river with mossy rocks and wildflowers. Peaceful and scenic.
Multiple River Crossings
Throughout the trail
An adventurous element with five stream crossings, adding to the unique hiking experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
River Crossings & Footwear
Parking & Shuttle Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Waterproof Footwear is Key
Expect to get wet! Waterproof boots or water shoes are a must for the river crossings.
Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for this moderate hike, especially with the uphill sections.
Consider Micro Spikes
If hiking in snowy conditions, micro spikes can be very helpful.
Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Waterproof Footwear is Key
Expect to get wet! Waterproof boots or water shoes are a must for the river crossings.
Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for this moderate hike, especially with the uphill sections.
Consider Micro Spikes
If hiking in snowy conditions, micro spikes can be very helpful.
Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends.
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be difficult; aim to arrive early or explore shuttle options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Mary's Falls Trail for its beautiful creek-side path and rewarding waterfall finale. The moderate difficulty, marked by a consistent uphill climb and multiple river crossings, is a common talking point, with many recommending waterproof footwear. Parking can be a challenge, but the peaceful, natural setting makes it a worthwhile hike for many.
"Good moderate hike along the creek, plenty of places to stop, enjoy the creek, and water the dog. Some pretty steep steps and a few steep places of loose gravel so perhaps not recommended for kiddos. Only gripe is the first mile is on the old Gold Camp road, which is open to ATVs and dirt bikes."
Joe Peoria
"St Mary’s Falls trail is a beautiful hike that ends at the base of the waterfall. The trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate. Parking can be hard to find sometimes. There are porta potties at the parking lot but that’s the only restrooms. The trail is dog friendly as well."
Alina Zarate
"Beautiful hike that follows a pretty stream along the way. It was very quiet and peaceful once we got on the trailhead. We went on a Saturday and did see 11 people but it didn’t feel crowded for a mid November hike. We did hike pretty much the whole thing in snow. I recommend having micro spikes, and gortex hiking shoes"
Molly Reichwald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The fastest route from Columbia Falls to St. Mary's Falls Trailhead is typically via US-2 and the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR), taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes. However, GTSR has seasonal closures, so always check current road conditions.
The trail is generally well-marked, but parking can be a challenge. Some visitors park at pull-offs and walk to the official trailhead.
While the main trailhead is the most common access, some hikers utilize other pull-outs along the road to shorten their walk to the trailhead.
The first mile of the trail is on the old Gold Camp road, which is open to ATVs and dirt bikes. After that, it transitions to a more traditional hiking path. [^Review]
Google Maps can be helpful, but be aware that it might not always reflect current road closures, especially for seasonal roads like GTSR.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Mary's Falls Trail is generally free to access, with free parking available at the trailhead.
The trail is open year-round, but access and conditions can vary significantly with the seasons. Always check local weather and trail reports before your visit.
No advance booking is required for St. Mary's Falls Trail. It's a public access trail.
Porta-potties are available at the main parking lot, but they are the only restrooms along the trail.
While some find it family-friendly, others note steep steps and loose gravel, suggesting caution for very young children. The constant uphill can also be challenging. [^Review]
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail is rated as moderate. It features a constant gradual uphill climb that gets steeper closer to the falls, challenging for lungs. [^Review]
The hike is approximately 4.3 miles roundtrip, with very little elevation change in the initial section but increasing steepness towards the falls.
You'll experience dense woods, mossy rocks, wildflowers, and follow a crystal-clear river with multiple stream crossings. +1
The falls themselves offer great photo opportunities, and the scenic creek-side trail provides many picturesque moments. +1
While the trail follows a beautiful creek, swimming is not explicitly mentioned as an activity, and the steep terrain at the falls might make it difficult. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful conditions for photographing the falls and the surrounding forest.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and the expansive forest. Consider a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water.
The numerous river crossings, moss-covered rocks, and lush vegetation offer many unique and scenic photo opportunities throughout the hike. +1
Using a slower shutter speed can create a silky smooth effect for the waterfall. A tripod will be essential for stability in lower light conditions.
Be mindful of the slippery rocks and uneven terrain, especially near the water. Protect your gear from moisture during the river crossings. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit