St Mary and Virginia Falls

For my second hike today at Glacier National Park, I hiked to St Mary Falls and Virginia Falls, this is a 5.6 mile round trip hike with 500' gain.

Warning signs at the trailhead. 

The trail starts along the north end of St Mary Lake. This area was on fire when we were visiting Glacier National Park four years ago.







St Mary Falls in the distance

St Mary River below the falls












wide angle view of St Mary Falls

From St Mary Falls the trail goes up along Virginia Creek to Virginia Falls, there are many cascades along Virginia Creek below the falls

Leaves beginning to change colors

















more cascades along Virginia Creek

A split in the trail, to the left the South Shore Trail and a lower view of the falls and to the right the Virginia Falls Viewpoint

view of Virginia Falls from the lower trail

Virginia Falls as seen from the trail

Virginia Falls from the viewpoint

Enjoying the fall colors and the views as I return back down the trail

  

some of the flora seen from the trail: