The Three Falls Trail in Glacier National Park is referred to as several different things, but Three Falls makes the most sense since you’re seeing ummm Three Falls.
Starting at the Sun Point Nature Trail, you pass Baring Falls and Saint Mary Falls on your way up to the multi-layer Virginia Falls.
Baring Falls
Baring Falls isn’t big, but it makes for good photos when there’s nobody around.
Many people consider this to be the best waterfall hike in Glacier National Park due to the relatively short distance (~6.5 miles), low elevation gain, seeing three falls in one hike, and picturesque views all along Saint Mary Lake.
Overhangs
There are some impressive rock overhangs near Baring Falls.
Hike With A View
Little Chief Mountain and Citadel Mountain stand tall above the Three Falls Hike
We definitely agree that this is a great hike, we can’t comment on whether it’s the best waterfall hike or not since we just arrived and this was our first leg-stretch hike to get the mountain legs working again.
There is zero chance for solitude on this hike unless you’re doing it crazy-early or crazy-late, it’s just too accessible to multiple vehicle stops to have any peace and quiet. Jumping from the bridge at Saint Mary Falls is a popular thing to do, we watched several people plunge into the icy cold glacial water – if only we had brought our swimsuits!
Thriving Flora
These Asters pop out from the most barren places.
Splash
Jumping off the bridge at Saint Mary Falls appears to be a popular activity here.
Virginia Falls
Make sure to hike to both the upper and lower viewpoints for Virginia Falls.
Virginia Falls is indeed spectacular, with separate upper and lower viewpoints and different perspectives of the multi-layer waterfall from each location. If it weren’t for other hikers we could have hung out here all day just enjoying the sound and the water mist spray.
Most of the hike is open sun due to dead trees from past forest fires, with only the last quarter of the hike in wooded terrain. Speaking of the dead trees, if you do this hike in high winds the trees sing in the wind, sounding like a bunch of people screaming going down a roller coaster ride.
Rejuvenation
So much growth through the fire scars.
The open disturbed landscape also lends itself to large masses of thimbleberry bushes – like tart squishy raspberries, I spent plenty of time wandering off-trail and stuffing my face full with them.
Thimbleberries
I lovez me some thimbleberries!
All in all, I would consider this a must-do hike in Glacier if you’re here for a couple days and have a few hours to spare.
Saint Mary Falls
Saint Mary Falls isn’t the most picturesque, but it’s easily accessible to the masses.
