St. Mary Lake
St. Mary Lake
4.5
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- PandaHoustonHouston, Texas6,233 contributionsSt Mary Lake is a Beautiful Blue ColorWe came on Monday, 8/31. Because we could not find a parking spot at the small lot for St Mary Falls, we ended up parking at the Sun Point large parking lot and inadvertently hiked that trail to go to St Mary Falls and it took us around St Mary Lake. It was a pleasant surprise because where the trail head starts, you walk along the lake and you get to see all the trees that have been burned by wildfire. The scenery was quite beautiful. The water was a beautiful blue color and the trail was not too difficult. However, if you hike to all 3 waterfalls (Baring, St Mary and Virginia), it will be 7 miles round trip (took us 3.5 hours) which I thought was a little too long. My favorite was St Mary Falls so if I had to do over, I would have skipped the extra 1.6 miles round trip to Virginia Falls. I did really enjoy the views of St Mary Lake and I do recommend the Sun Point Trail.Visited August 2020Written September 15, 2020
- DSP_MPS_GmailPoint Lookout, Missouri255 contributionsBeautiful from just about every angleThere's so many spots on the Going to the Sun Road where you should stop and take pictures of this lake just after Logan Pass. Especially if it's very early in the morning with still waters, or late in the evening around twilight. You could make a whole day just driving and hiking around St. Mary Lake taking pictures and enjoying the natural beauty that exists.Visited July 2021Written October 13, 2021
- moodbluWest Valley City, Utah1,021 contributionsBeautiful Glacier-fed LakeOn our recent trip to Glacier National Park, we went on a boat ride at St. Mary Lake. Our captain gave us an interesting, entertaining, and informative narrative about the glaciers, the park in general, the geology and history of the surroundings. It was a relaxing and enjoyable ride. We stopped at Baring Falls, a short distance from the shore, as a stop on our boat ride. I can't speak to the cost of the boat excursion, as it was included in the price of our bus tour. We also went to a couple viewpoints along the road, overlooking the lake. It is beautiful from each. Our bus tour did not allow enough time for us to hike to St. Mary Falls, which would have been interesting also. There are several hikes available if you have the time.Visited July 2022Written August 15, 2022
- ELKWUnited States11,858 contributionsbeautiful lakeIt is located in the east side of the park, when you drive the going to the sun road, it's at the east end of the road, the lake is elongated in shape, so when you drive along the going to the sun road, you will see this lake for a period of drive in the east. Viewing at the Wild goose island lookout is one of the best place to see St. Mary lake, and this site is also photographic, you can see the snowy mountain with a sharp peak behind the lake. There is also bout tour for you to see the St. Mary lake on the boat.Visited June 2019Written May 18, 2020
- micndavPittsburgh, Pennsylvania48 contributionsBeautiful LakeWe drove around the lake on the Going to the Sun Road. Stop at various spots to capture the beauty. We also spotted a family of moose in one of the inlets of the lake. Amazing to see a bull, mom, and baby all together!Visited July 2021Written July 21, 2021
- Jeffrey RSpring Branch, Texas228 contributionsExcellentYou follow the lake front on the GTTSR on the east side of the park. When you take the St. Mary Falls trail you see the head of the lake along the trail. Beautiful lake. You will see Goose Island along the way. Inquire about the legend of Goose Island. Enjoy!Visited September 2022Written September 13, 2022
- CATTSARProvincetown, Massachusetts22,297 contributionsSimply spectacularBeing in Kalispell for my winters, getting to St. Mary Lake is a treat. At best I can get as far as Rising Sun. Though it is dormant and frozen in the winter, it is still spectacular to view nestled between the mountain peaks. In the summer it comes alive for many activities including boating and fishing. As you drive in from the east entrance of Glacier there are are several points of interest and kiosks explaining what you are looking at. Worth the time anytime!!Visited November 2022Traveled soloWritten December 18, 2022
- Helen CRenton, Washington934 contributionsSt Mary's Falls trailWe did the 2-mile return hike at St Mary's Falls. The parking lot was small even though this is a popular hike. We had to park further up the road. There is a gradient at the beginning of the trail, otherwise, the rest if the trail is easy. The trees are bald due to a 2015 fire, so there isn't any shade. However, the views of the mountains and lake are worthwhile, not so much the falls.Visited September 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten September 10, 2020
- NelsonMadison, Wisconsin71 contributionsSt Mary's Lake Boat TripI booked a boat trip on St Mary's Lake while I was at Glacier National Park. The name of our boat was Little Chief. This is a must do activity! Sammy Jo was our Captain and she did an amazing job. The Boat Tour is about 2 hours and they also take you to Baring Falls. Here you will deboard from the boat and hike to the Falls. You can even get close enough to the Falls to enjoy a misty shower if you like. Then sail around the lake on your return trip. They also take you to Wild Goose Island, the famous place in the movie "The Shining". This is an awesome activity to do while you are at Glacier National Park. Enjoy!Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 30, 2023
- Terri WGeorgetown, Tennessee68 contributionsStunning views!!!This was one of my Favs. It doesn't matter your angle of viewing or picture taking, its just stunning!!! The hike has three waterfalls. We just did 2. The hike I would say is easy/moderate. There was one stretch of the hike where it seemed up hill forever. Lol its not. Once you get passed that spot its better. My Hubby and I are both 49. Nothing like a reality check to remind us we are not 20 anymore 🥴. The hike is so worth all its beauty it has to offer.Visited July 2020Traveled with familyWritten August 3, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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ELKW
United States11,858 contributions
Jun 2019
It is located in the east side of the park, when you drive the going to the sun road, it's at the east end of the road, the lake is elongated in shape, so when you drive along the going to the sun road, you will see this lake for a period of drive in the east. Viewing at the Wild goose island lookout is one of the best place to see St. Mary lake, and this site is also photographic, you can see the snowy mountain with a sharp peak behind the lake. There is also bout tour for you to see the St. Mary lake on the boat.
Written May 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
micndav
Pittsburgh, PA48 contributions
Jul 2021
We drove around the lake on the Going to the Sun Road. Stop at various spots to capture the beauty. We also spotted a family of moose in one of the inlets of the lake. Amazing to see a bull, mom, and baby all together!
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey R
Spring Branch, TX228 contributions
Sep 2022
You follow the lake front on the GTTSR on the east side of the park. When you take the St. Mary Falls trail you see the head of the lake along the trail. Beautiful lake. You will see Goose Island along the way. Inquire about the legend of Goose Island. Enjoy!
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CATTSAR
Provincetown, MA22,297 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Being in Kalispell for my winters, getting to St. Mary Lake is a treat. At best I can get as far as Rising Sun. Though it is dormant and frozen in the winter, it is still spectacular to view nestled between the mountain peaks. In the summer it comes alive for many activities including boating and fishing. As you drive in from the east entrance of Glacier there are are several points of interest and kiosks explaining what you are looking at. Worth the time anytime!!
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen C
Renton, WA934 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We did the 2-mile return hike at St Mary's Falls. The parking lot was small even though this is a popular hike. We had to park further up the road. There is a gradient at the beginning of the trail, otherwise, the rest if the trail is easy. The trees are bald due to a 2015 fire, so there isn't any shade. However, the views of the mountains and lake are worthwhile, not so much the falls.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nelson
Madison, WI71 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I booked a boat trip on St Mary's Lake while I was at Glacier National Park. The name of our boat was Little Chief. This is a must do activity! Sammy Jo was our Captain and she did an amazing job. The Boat Tour is about 2 hours and they also take you to Baring Falls. Here you will deboard from the boat and hike to the Falls. You can even get close enough to the Falls to enjoy a misty shower if you like. Then sail around the lake on your return trip. They also take you to Wild Goose Island, the famous place in the movie "The Shining". This is an awesome activity to do while you are at Glacier National Park. Enjoy!
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri W
Georgetown, TN68 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This was one of my Favs. It doesn't matter your angle of viewing or picture taking, its just stunning!!! The hike has three waterfalls. We just did 2. The hike I would say is easy/moderate. There was one stretch of the hike where it seemed up hill forever. Lol its not. Once you get passed that spot its better. My Hubby and I are both 49. Nothing like a reality check to remind us we are not 20 anymore 🥴. The hike is so worth all its beauty it has to offer.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Postcards From Carrie
Frederick, MD34 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We enjoyed the boat tour with Glacier Park Boats. Mo was our driver and she was great..so knowledgeable! The boat took us to Baring Falls where we got off for about 15 minutes to see the falls. That was a nice surprise! The lake is really beautiful, it is definitely a better scenic lake than Lake McDonald. The dead trees from the fire actually were a beautiful contrast to the blue water and pink wildflowers, so much color!
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Woodcliffmom
Woodcliff Lake, NJ83 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Very nice and fun hike to St Mary Fall and then further onto Virginia Fall. Relatively easy and fun. Took us about 2 hours total. Virginia falls is larger and more fun. You will get all wet from Virginia Fall's mist. There are some up and down, but no ledges. Areas up to Virginia Falls can get muddy. Definitely recommend this.
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agome045
Miami, FL11 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Take the time to drive to St. Mary’s like the view is worth it. This is a short walk from the parking lot at Rising Sun View Point. Less populated we had the area to ourselves.
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sgphoto
Grand Junction, CO460 contributions
Hi. How far is the Rising Sun campground from the viewpoint of the Wild Goose Island? Thanks.
Kim B
Newnan, GA1,021 contributions
Hi,
I remember it being a tad longer than a mile, but perhaps you can google map the distance. If you are really early and it is calm - awesome shots! I have it as a screen saver on my phone!
Koli D
1 contribution
Did you have to sign up for the boat ride prior to arrival? I am going next week and would love to take a boat ride.
helenandpaul13
Worcester, UK1,614 contributions
I'm not sure about this because we saw it from above. We sat for lunch at a picnic stop above the lake and saw a boat taking tourists for a trip. You can get to see lots of wildlife from the boat so take along your binoculars because you never knew what you might see.
Carly Elizabeth
8 contributions
Hi all,
We will be in East Glacier in July and would love to have a picnic lunch where we can have outstanding views of the lake.
Our time will be somewhat limited so we won't be able to do too long of a hike to get there. We will be driving down from Many Glacier and then along Going to the Sun Road to check-in at Lake McDonald lodge.
Any and all suggestions would be helpful especially with pointers on how to get here :D
wolfcreek850
Texas125 contributions
Hi,
I'm sorry you have had no responses to your question, I just saw the notification.
Lake McDonald Lodge is beautiful and there are plenty of places there by the lake for a picnic. Trail of the Cedars is a nice hike on the west side of the pass, almost to Lake McDonald Lodge. It is a quick1 mile round trip. We took the connecting trail to Avalanche Lake and it was beautiful! That is a 4.5 round trip hike that we felt was well worth it. It is very popular and parking can be a challenge though.
Hidden Lake trail at Logan Pass is another hike that the views are amazing! That 5.4mile RT hike is also very popular but there is plenty of parking. Or you could stop at St. Mary Lake. There was a big fire in that area a couple of years ago so the dead trees are ugly but it has opened the view of the lake and the wildflowers growing in the forest floor are pretty.
Coming from Many Glacier you would come to St. Mary Lake first, next would be Logan Pass where Hidden Lake trail is and last before reaching Lake McDonald Lodge would be Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake. My first choice would be Hidden Lake, then Avalanche Lake and last would be St. Mary Lake. I'm not sure what is too long of a hike for you that day but as far as Glacier hikes are concerned these are short hikes. Man, now I am wanting to go back it is so beautiful!
Enjoy the beauty!
I am travelling to St. Mary to see my son who will be working on a boat tours out of St. Mary. What is the closest or easiest motel to stay at with close amenities like restaurant. Will I need to rent a car and if so any suggestions. I will be flying from Florida.
Muslimmomof3
The Woodlands, TX69 contributions
We'll be visiting Glacier in July. We'll be staying one night at Many Glacier hotel and camping two nights. While, I would prefer camping at Many Glacier (I'm attempting to reserve a spot ahead of time), if I can't get a spot there, how is St. Mary camping? What part of the campground is recommended?
wolfcreek850
Texas125 contributions
Many Glacier is a very nice campground and we wish we had spent at least one night camping there. It is so close to the Grinnel Glacier hike and the Red Rock Falls hike which is beautiful. We saw 3 moose on this hike feeding in the lakes. St Mary's campground is conveniently located near the east side visitors center where the shuttle buses pick up. There is a walking trail from the campground to the visitors center. Most of the campsites are semiprivate. We choose one with trees and it was nice. Just remember the farther the site you choose from the visitors center the farther you will be walking to pick up the shuttle bus. We saw a mother moose with 2 babies in the river between the campground and visitor center. We were very happy we stayed at St. Mary's campground. Have fun on your trip!
Is there an RV camping spot open Sept.5 to Sept.11 2016?
Maria H
Hudson, NH200 contributions
Glacier National Park-Rising Sun Camping is first come first serve status. For more information go onto NPS . gov web site for more info.
It's beautiful and September is less crowded than Summer months
Fahad
Seattle, WA163 contributions
Can i go to the lake only by boat? or can i hike too? How long is the hike?
DrAndrewWHarrell
Vicksburg, MS126 contributions
You can hike along the lakeside trail instead of taking the boat. It is an easy hike and the trails on the lakeside link up with those going to the falls.
Can you paddle your own watercraft on the lake? Is there open water in April or is it still frozen?
DrAndrewWHarrell
Vicksburg, MS126 contributions
I don't think they have paddecraft for rent on the St. Mary's lake side of Logan Pass. But, there are some for rent on the western side of the Pass MacDonald's lodge I think, at the lake and hotel there.
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Claim your listingSt. Mary Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Mary Lake
- Hotels near St. Mary Lake:
- (0.09 mi) Avalanche Creek Campground
- (0.26 mi) Glacier Guides Lodge
- (0.23 mi) Belton Chalet
- (0.17 mi) West Glacier Village
- (0.18 mi) West Glacier RV Park & Cabins
- Restaurants near St. Mary Lake:
- (0.02 mi) Freda’s Bar
- (0.11 mi) Glacier Highland
- (0.11 mi) West Glacier Cafe
- (0.22 mi) Belton Grill Dining Room & Tap Room
- (1.08 mi) The Wandering Gringo
- Attractions near St. Mary Lake:
- (0.06 mi) Glacier Raft Company
- (0.05 mi) Virginia Falls
- (0.05 mi) Trail of the Cedars
- (0.05 mi) Garden Wall
- (0.05 mi) Siyeh Pass
St. Mary Lake Information
Excellent Reviews | 289 |
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Very Good Reviews | 88 |
St. Mary Lake Photos | 318 |