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Complete Baring Falls in Glacier National Park Hiking Guide
Baring Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes on the east side of Glacier National Park. This gorgeous waterfall has some of the best views of Saint Mary Lake and shows off the gorgeous red rocks of the park.
Located in the Sunrift Gorge area, this section of the park is rather secluded since many people do not make it past Logan Pass when entering from the west side of the park.
On a hot day, this is the perfect trail to complete because the waterfall mists you as you get close. If that sounds refreshing, let’s get into it!
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If you’re looking to add Baring Falls to your outdoor adventure itinerary in Glacier, this blog post has everything you need to know about getting to the trail, hiking the trail, and other trails in the area.
This short trail has beautiful views of the lake, and it is super easy to get to Baring Falls!
There are spectacular waterfalls to get to throughout the park, but this might be the easiest!
Before you can start planning your hike to Baring Falls, here are some quick links for you to help with Glacier trip planning.
- Getting There: The two airports that are popular for flying into include Whitefish, MT and Missoula, MT. Find affordable flights here.
- Getting Around: You will need a personal vehicle to get around. Many car rentals offer a bear spray rental. Reserve a rental car here!
- How Long to Visit: A worthy trip to Glacier can be anywhere from three days to a week! However long you’re visiting, you’ll have a great time!
- Where to Stay: There are 13 front country campgrounds in Glacier National Park that you can reserve on recreation.gov. Otherwise, you can book a hotel or VRBO.
- Getting Into the Park: You will need an America the Beautiful Pass to enter Glacier National Park, which you can purchase here. In August, you will additionally need a vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance, Many Glacier, and North Fork.
- Favorite Hikes in Glacier: Cracker Lake, Grinnell Glacier, Highline, and No Name Lake! However, you have HUNDREDS of trails to choose from.
Let’s get into planning your epic Baring Falls Hike in Glacier!
General Trail Stats
Region: Glacier National Park
Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 110 feet elevation gain
Level: Easy
Time: 1+ Hour
Trail Type: Out & Back
When to go: July – September
Pass/Permit?: America the Beautiful
Dogs Allowed?: No
Important Information: Bear Spray is HIGHLY encouraged. Grizzlies frequent the area.
Need to Know BEFORE Hiking Baring Falls
Here is everything you need to know before you can hit the trail!
Where is the trailhead located?
Baring Falls is located on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Wala Walla tribes. As well as the Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis and Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ. We are grateful for the stewards of this land past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Getting to the Trail
This trail is located along Going-to-the-Sun Road and can be accessed from the West entrance or St Mary’s entrance to the park.
When coming from West Glacier, begin looking for the trailhead as St Mary’s Lake comes into view after you pass Logan Pass. The trailhead is just east of the Saint Mary Falls trailhead and across the street from Siyeh Pass.
You will park near the Sunrift Gorge parking area. There are multiple small parking lots in this area.
If you don’t want to take a car, there is a free shuttle service in the park. If you’re taking the park shuttle, you will start and end your hike at the St. Mary Falls Stop to catch one of the free shuttles. The trailhead is a short walk from the St. Mary Falls trailhead.
Trailhead Facilities
There are no restroom facilities at this trailhead.
Season to Visit
Going to the Sun Road is closed in winter. The road typically opens in Early June and closes in Late October.
Completing the trail at any point throughout the summer is the perfect time! Earlier in the summer, the waterfall was at its full strength.
Time of Day
This trail is beautiful any tine of day, but when your day is full of outdoor adventures, this is a phenomenal trail to begin or start your day.
The very short distance from the parking lot to the beautiful waterfall requires minimal time commitment so you can complete it before or after one of the larger hikes of your day!
Passes / Permits
Baring Falls is located within the Glacier National Park bounty and is accessible from either the West Glacier Entrance or the St Mary’s entrance.
You will need a national park pass to enter the park, which has an annual fee of $80. However, the cost of this pass is paid for in just three visits to a National Park or National Forest throughout the year. You can purchase your national park pass in advance here!
If you’re entering from the West Side of the park, you will also need a Vehicle Reservation Permit. This permit costs $2 and secures your access to the park during the summer season. If you do not get a vehicle Reservation, you can access Going to the Sun Road before 6 am or after 3pm. Purchase your vehicle Reservation 120 days in advance at 7am or the day prior to entrance at 7pm.
Hiking Baring Falls in Glacier National Park
If you’re ready to hike Baring Falls, let’s do it! Here is an overview of what you can expect on this short hike.
Beginning the Hike
There is a small parking lot in front of the Baring Falls Trailhead on the lake side of the road. At the beginning of the trail you will begin descending a series of steps along the bridge. The forest here is sparse with lodgepole pines and Douglas firs from the old Reynolds creek fire. However, the undergrowth has grown significantly, and in some places, it towers over you.
The trail begins on the Siyeh Pass Trail and ends on the Piegan Pass Trail.
St. mary Lake Views
As you make your way along the trail, one of the first things you’ll notice is St. Mary Lake to your right. There are several places along the trail where you can catch a glimpse of the lake. On calm days, the lake’s surface reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, creating a picture-perfect view. However, in the open area, you will more than likely see waves rippling across the surface of the water.
Junction with the Piegan pass
About 0.3 miles into the hike, you’ll come to the Piegan Pass trail junction. If you head left, the trail continues along Saint Mary Lake. For Baring Falls, you’ll stay to the right, following the trail as it gently descends towards the waterfall. The trail here becomes rockier and a bit narrower, but it remains very manageable for most hikers.
Baring Falls
After approximately 0.4 miles of hiking, you’ll hear the rush of water, and soon, Baring Falls comes into view. This 25-foot waterfall flows over a rocky cliff into a clear pool below, surrounded by mossy boulders and lush vegetation. The falls are relatively small compared to some of Glacier’s other waterfalls, like St Mary’s and Virginia Falls.
The area around Baring Falls is quiet and peaceful, with fewer crowds than some of the park’s larger waterfalls. It’s a great spot for a picnic, so bring a snack and enjoy the sound of the waterfall as you rest.
Other Trails in the Area
The part of the park has plenty of trails to choose from! Here are three trails near the parking lot for Baring Falls!
St. mary and Virginia Falls
This is a fabulous trail with plenty of flowing water and gorgeous foliage. At 3.1 miles and 450 feet of elevation gain, it is considered a moderate hike. However, it is worth the effort!
Sun Point Nature Trail
Overlooking Saint Mary, this trail is a popular easy hike on the east side of the park. At 2 miles and 200 feet of elevation gain, it is relatively flat, making it perfect for children and people who aren’t looking for a tough trail!
Otokomi Lake
Considered a hard trail at almost 11 miles round trip and just under 2,400 feet of elevation gain, this trail is more secluded than most in the park. However, the Lake is gorgeous and surrounded by glacier-carved peaks.
Pack It Up
Baring Falls is a phenomenal trail in Glacier National Park! If you have the time, absolutely add this trail to your list.
If you have any questions about hiking to Baring Falls or about Glacier National Park in general, drop them in the comments, and I would be happy to help!
Happy Hiking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
