This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, but there is no additional cost for you. Please see my Disclosure page for more information.
Affiliate links are included in this post for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases, but there is no additional cost for you. Go to my disclosure page for more info.
The day after we did the beaver dam hike, we tried the St Mary and Virginia falls hike again. The <way too small> parking lot was full again, but there was a turn out just down the road that had one space for us. We parked there and hoped for the best (ie, no parking tickets) and carefully walked along the side of the road back to the parking lot and trailhead.
The hike starts in an area that was burned by wildfire a few years ago, but it’s making a good recovery. The blackened trees are surrounded by new growth and give the observer a good reminder of the cycle of life.
St Mary falls weren’t too far down the trail, about a mile, and are quite pretty. The striking blue of glacier water is very evident and makes for some great photos- no touchups needed!
After taking some photos and hanging on tight to the boys while we crossed the bridge over the water just below the falls, we continued on up the trail. As we walked, we found a couple good photo ops of water tumbling over the rocks, but they weren’t the falls.
There was one point where we thought we’d reached the end of the trail, but the water didn’t look right- it didn’t look like the falls we’d seen across the valley. After we looked around a bit, we found the trail and were able to continue to the top.
Finally, about a mile past St Mary falls, we reached the end of the trail just below Virginia falls. They’re quite spectacular in person. You can see them across the valley as you drive down Going-to-the-Sun road, so you know they’re a good size, but seeing them in person is pretty impressive.
After eating lunch near the end of the trail we headed back down, hiking about four miles total to return to the trailhead. There were some steep spots, but it wasn’t super strenuous, and it was definitely worth the effort to see the falls at the end.
When we got back to the trailhead, one of the other hikers asked if we’d seen the bears. I asked “what bears?” And she said they’d seen a black bear and a brown bear just a little below the trailhead, but it turned out it happened while we were back by the falls. So we missed another wildlife sighting.
This hike is a bit challenging for the little ones, but River was able to do most of it himself. Jeremy carried him on his shoulders part of the way back because he got tired, but River walked most of it. We kept a tight hold of him as we crossed the bridges at St Mary falls and below Virginia falls and at the slippery rocks at the top of Virginia falls. Ocean rode on my back the whole way in the Boba carrier, and I didn’t have any problems. Don’t be afraid to take your children on this hike- use common sense and a good time will be had by all.
Have you hiked to Virginia falls?
Want to join the 52 Hike Challenge? It’s not too late. The 52 Hike Challenge does not operate on a calendar year, so you can sign up at any time throughout the year, and you have 12 months to complete 52 hikes. Sign up using my link and I’ll earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. You can also click on the 52 Hike Challenge image in the right sidebar.
