SAINT MARY FALLS: .8ml one way(+35ft); VIRGINIA FALLS: 1.55mls one way(+110ft); These two very popular falls are a short hike off the historic "Going-to-the-Sun-Road". The Saint Mary Falls trail receives heavy use, is well maintained, and is easy to hike. The dense, deep-green forest is made up mostly of Douglas fir and maple trees. The grown cover consists mainly of beargrass, snowberry, and thimbleberry bushes. This beautiful trail setting parallels Virginia Creek prior to arriving at a footbridge crossing the mighty flowing St. Mary River for a close-up view of Saint Mary Falls. Continuing past the footbridge, you parallel the confluence of the St. Mary River and Virginia Creek. Huge volumes of water converge here, most notably in June and early July when the alpine snowfields melt. Soon you will hear the thundering roar on the approach to Virginia Falls long before your arrival. The water that feeds thundering and misty Virginia Falls mostly comes from Citadel Mtn and Almost-A-Dog Mtn areas to the south...SWEET IT IS!!
- Jul 23 2008 Grasshopper