See St. Mary Falls and Glacier’s fire-shaped landscape on a guided hike
8 hours
Guided interpretation, Shuttle
Explore Glacier National Park’s fire, water, and ice-shaped landscapes on a guided hike to St. Mary Falls. Learn how these forces have shaped the forests, watersheds, and mountains around you.
Receive a full refund when you cancel at least 7 days before the program.
Product ID: W5U8G8
Yes. Purchase a Glacier National Park Entrance Pass before your hike. Standard passes are $20.00–$35.00. Non-US residents (16 and over) must pay an additional $100 per person fee unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
No. A vehicle reservation is not required; participation in your Glacier Institute hike acts as your vehicle reservation.
Bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks, comfortable hiking shoes or lightweight hiking boots, a 1–2 liter water bottle (or Camelback), a day pack (with a plastic bag liner or cover), rain gear, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Weather can change quickly, so pack warm layers.
Glacier Institute - 7450 Highway 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides who make every tour exceptional. Names like Megan, Carrie, Wyatt, Anna, and Mark come up repeatedly, with guests praising their deep understanding of the park's geology, wildlife, and flora. The guides strike that perfect balance of being educational without feeling like a lecture, and they're skilled at adapting to different group needs, whether that means hiking at a slower pace or rerouting due to weather closures. The packed lunch option gets consistent praise for being surprisingly good, complete with homemade trail mix. The Going-to-the-Sun Road tours are hugely popular, offering a stress-free way to experience the iconic drive without navigating it yourself. A major perk is the exclusive parking access at popular trailheads, which means less hassle during peak season. Guests appreciate the professional operation, from helpful office staff to the way they handle unexpected situations (one review mentions how quickly the team solved a seating mix-up). The experience consistently delivers stunning scenery, wildlife sightings including bighorn sheep and bears, and that deeper connection to the park that comes from learning its stories. First-time visitors and longtime park lovers alike find value in these educational adventures.
I booked the Hidden Lake hike, which also meant we did parts of the Going to the Sun Road as well and it was worth every single penny! Jenae was my guide and she was beyond fantastic - knowledgeable, kind, and well prepared for our hike. She was also very flexible and adjusted our hike based on experience and timing. I loved every moment!
Ellen Glista
August 30, 2026
I booked the Hidden Lake hike, which also meant we did parts of the Going to the Sun Road as well and it was worth every single penny! Jenae was my guide and she was beyond fantastic - knowledgeable, kind, and well prepared for our hike. She was also very flexible and adjusted our hike based on experience and timing. I loved every moment!
Ellen Glista
August 30, 2026
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