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A short route down to Baring Falls below Sunrift Gorge, gets you up close and personal to the spray.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Out and Back

4,672' 1,424 m

High

4,555' 1,388 m

Low

119' 36 m

Up

119' 36 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly With one relatively steep section, this short hike is very manageable for families who want to get out of the car and explore a scenic waterfall.

Bring bear spray.

Overview

This short, out-and-back hike is a great excuse to stretch your legs after being in the car while following Going-to-the-Sun Road. With a decent grade heading down toward the lake, this route will get your blood flowing and the fresh air moving through your lungs.

Need to Know

This stop is very popular, so make sure you get their early, or take the park's free shuttle.

Description

To access this hike, use the Sunrift Gorge Parking Area on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Baring Falls is a wonderful waterfall located below Sunrift Gorge. The beginning of the trail is fairly steep, but after two-tenths of a mile, it levels out at the junction with the Piegan Pass Trail that closely hand-rails St. Mary Lake. Turn right onto the Piegan Pass Trail, heading west on the trail, and you'll soon head over the bridge to the falls. The view from the bridge is great, but you can head right across from the falls to a cool overhang where you'll get up close and misted by the waterfall.

Once you've taken it all in you can take an extra little trip to a boat dock with stunning views or just head back the way you came.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Flora & Fauna

Small riparian birds such as warblers are popular here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jake Bramante

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 15 votes

#7

in St. Mary

#2564

Overall
  4.2 from 15 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in St. Mary

#63

in Montana

#2,564

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,006 Since Jun 14, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Small waterfall just below the Sunrift Gorge bridge.
Aug 4, 2019 near Rising Sun, MT
Baring Falls 1
Dec 5, 2017 near Rising Sun, MT

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 47 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 12, 2024
Tracy Peterson
Aug 23, 2023
Karen McWee
Aug 20, 2023
Ivonne NaPett
Jul 5, 2023
Claire Milligan
Walked along St. Mary's Lake from St. Mary's fall to Baring Falls as a loop. 0.6mi
Jun 25, 2023
Devi Hale
Best of the three falls in many ways
Aug 28, 2022
Hailey Haynes
Aug 11, 2022
Kathleen Yeager
Aug 31, 2021
CJ Rhoad
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