Home to about two dozen glaciers from which it gets its name, Glacier National Park is a naturalist daydream with over 700 miles of trails along the park’s crackling creeks, roaring rivers, and breathtaking lakes.
Riddled throughout these glacier-fed waterways are some of the most beautiful cascades and waterfalls in all of Montana. In fact, the park boasts over 200 waterfalls within its borders, many of which are famous worldwide, while others remain unnamed.
Since it is nearly impossible to see all of the park’s spectacular landmarks in a single trip, we have compiled a list of the 12 most impressive waterfalls in Glacier National Park to begin your journey.
12 Most Impressive Waterfalls in Glacier National Park
- Saint Mary Falls
- Virginia Falls
- Baring Falls
- Beaver Chief Falls
- Lunch Creek Falls
- Bird Woman Falls
- Falls at Avalanche Lake
- Sacred Dancing Cascade
- McDonald Falls
- Florence Falls
- Twin Falls
- Waterfall at the Trail of Cedars
1. Saint Mary Falls
Perhaps the most recognizable of Glacier National Park’s waterfalls, Saint Mary Falls is also one of the park’s most striking and easily accessible landmarks.
Located only o.8 miles from the Saint Mary Falls Shuttle Stop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-foot waterfall featuring two drops. The cascading turquoise waters are some of the bluest in the park and are a must-experience when visiting Glacier.
The easiest way to access Saint Mary Falls is from the trailhead right from the bus stop. The path is an easy hike and will bring you directly to a wooden bridge offering fantastic views of the falls.
From here, visitors can turn around and complete their visit as a 1.7-mile out-and-back hike, or they can continue their journey along the path to the next waterfall on this list.
2. Virginia Falls
The second most iconic Glacier National Park Waterfall, Virginia Falls is located only 0.6 miles from Saint Mary Falls and, in many ways, can be considered even more beautiful than its nearby sister.
Crossing the bridge in front of Saint Mary Falls, hikers follow the trail along Virginia Creek directly to this monumental water feature, passing by the Lower Virginia Falls along the way.
The falls feature a 50-foot drop into a series of cascades that produces light clouds of water at the base of the falls.
Overall, Virginia Falls offer a memorable experience and are well worth the extra leg work to reach it. In total, the hike to the falls is a 3.6-mile out-and-back venture along a well-maintained trail.
3. Baring Falls
Another fantastic waterfall located along one of the many creeks that feed Saint Mary Lake, the Baring Falls is located about a mile from Saint Mary falls.
It can easily be combined with the two other falls previously mentioned on this list for a breathtaking hike to Glacier National Park’s three most recognizable waterfalls.
While less traveled than both Virginia and Mary Falls, Baring Falls is actually much more accessible. Located only 0.3 miles from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the most popular route to the falls is from the Baring Falls Trailhead.
However, those planning to pair their hike with a visit to one of the other falls should plan to start their journey from the parking lot near the Sun Point Trailhead.
4. Beaver Chief Falls
While one of the most beautiful landmarks in Glacier National Park, Beaver Chief Falls does not experience the same volume of tourists as other waterfalls featured on this list.
This is largely due to the remote isolation of the falls requiring a minimum 7-mile hike to reach and an additional 7-mile hike to return to the trailhead.
Still, for those willing to venture the journey, Beaver Chief Falls rewards one of the worthiest views of one of the tallest waterfalls in the entire park. The waterfall plummets approximately 1,344 feet from Lake Ellen Wilson to Lincoln Lake below.
5. Lunch Creek Falls
Easily spotted from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the waterfall at Lunch Creek is one of Glacier National Park’s most beautiful cascades and has long attracted visitors as a popular resting point along the Continental Divide Trail.
While the falls are a fantastic option for visitors who prefer to avoid hiking, other guests wishing to get up close and personal with the landmark can make their way along Lunch Creek.
There are no officially maintained trails, but there are paths to the right of the falls that will guide visitors along the way.