St. Mary Falls Educational Day Hike

St. Mary Falls Educational Day Hike

Hike Overview Continued

Educational Interpretation Tour

Multiple, July – September: Starting at a scenic overlook of St. Mary Lake, this hike offers a glimpse into Glacier National Park’s past at the former site of Sun Point Chalet. Traveling through a fire-affected landscape, the trail reveals sweeping views of glacially carved mountains through standing burn scars. Along the way, you’ll pass Baring Falls before ending at St. Mary Falls, where the force of moving water highlights the ongoing process of carving the landscape

Program Overview:

Primary Educational Theme:  Fire, Water, and Ice — The Forces that Shape Glacier’s Landscapes.

Participants will explore the interconnectedness of Glacier National Park’s natural systems—how fire, water, and ice have shaped the forests, watersheds, and mountain formations we see today, and how people have historically connected with this landscape.

Drive Time: 2 hours (4 hours total)

Difficulty: Moderate (elevation gain, exposure)

Duration on Trail: ~4 hours (out-and-back with educational stops)

Trail Distance: 3.5–4 miles

Trail Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Trail Popularity: High Traffic

Target Audience: General visitors, families, school groups (ages 10+)

Meeting Place: Glacier Institute, 7450 HWY 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water, and snacks for the day.

Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280

Equipment: Most importantly, bring comfortable hiking shoes, at least a 1-2 liter water bottle, a backpack, rain gear, a hat, and sunscreen. The weather can be varied, especially at the varying elevations of Logan Pass, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers for potential snow and high winds. Binoculars are very useful, but optional, as well as field guides that interest you.