Plan 2-4 days here for boat tours, trails like Wild Goose Island, and stays at St. Mary Village starting around $200/night. Best in summer; bear safety is essential.
Key Takeaways:
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road for unbeatable views.
- Book boat tours via Glacier Park Boat Company.
- Budget $300-500/day, including park entry ($35/car).
- Stay safe with bear spray and ranger updates.
Jump to: Ratings | Things to Do | Where to Stay | Costs | Safety
As a local who’s hiked its trails and boated its crystal-clear waters, this guide shares my personal experiences to help you make the most of your visit.
Saint Mary Lake Visitor Ratings and Reviews
Saint Mary Lake consistently scores 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor from over 1,000 reviews and is praised for its vivid turquoise hue caused by glacial rock flour.
Visitors rave about the dramatic mountain backdrop, with one reviewer noting, “The colors are unreal, like a painting come to life.” On Google, the St. Mary Visitor Center nearby holds 4.7 stars for its exhibits on park geology and Native American history from the Blackfeet perspective.
My take: It’s worth every star, especially at sunrise when the light hits the water just right.
Top Things to See and Do at Saint Mary Lake
Start with the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road pullouts overlooking the lake’s 10-mile length and 300-foot depth.
I remember parking at Wild Goose Island Overlook at dawn, capturing moose silhouettes against the peaks, no crowds in sight.
Premier Hikes Around the Lake
- Wild Goose Island Trail: A quick 0.4-mile loop with panoramic lake views; perfect for photos. I spotted bald eagles here on my last trip.
- Virginia Falls Hike: 3.6 miles roundtrip to a 100-foot cascade; moderate with rewarding mist sprays. Pro tip: Go early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
- Otokomi Lake Trail: 5.5 miles moderate through wildflower meadows; the alpine lake at the end rivals Saint Mary’s beauty.
Boat Tours on Saint Mary Lake
Glacier Park Boat Company’s 1.5-hour cruises from Rising Sun dock depart multiple times daily (9am-5pm seasonally) for about $40 for adults and $20 for kids.
They include stops at Baring Falls. Book at reserve.glacierparkboats.com or call (406) 257-2426. “That tour changed how I saw the park,” I told friends after gliding past hidden coves.
Recommended Tours and Experiences
Beyond boats, try GetYourGuide rafting combos nearby or guided hikes via GetYourGuide. For deeper insights, join ranger programs at St. Mary Visitor Center (open late May-Sept, 8am-4:30pm).
Best Places to Stay Near Saint Mary Lake
St. Mary Village offers lakeside lodges with mountain views, check-in at 3pm, and check-out at 11am. Rooms average $200-300/night in peak summer, per Booking.com and Agoda listings.
Guests love the balconies: “Views out back overlooking mountains and a creek were magical,” per TripAdvisor. Book via Booking.com, Agoda, or Hotels.com. For camping, Rising Sun Campground has sites at $23/night. I prefer the village’s historic Swiss chalet vibe after long days on the water.
St. Mary Village Highlights
Rating: 3.5/5 TripAdvisor. Clean rooms, on-site dining. Read reviews.
Camping Option
Rising Sun: $23/site. Fire pits, lake access. Book via recreation.gov.
Typical Costs, Budgets, and Money-Saving Tips
Park entry: $35/vehicle for 7 days (nps.gov/glac). Boat tour: $40/person. Lodging: $200+/night. Food at park cafes: $15-25/meal. Daily budget for two: $400-600.
Suggested Budgets
Budget: $300/day (camping, picnics). Comfort: $500/day (lodge, tours). Luxury: $800+ (guided everything).
Money-Saving Tips
Visit in September for 20-30% lower lodging rates. Pack lunches; buy an annual pass ($70) for repeat visits. Use free shuttles to skip vehicle fees.
How to Get There and Around Saint Mary Lake
Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), then drive 1.5 hours east via US-89. From West Glacier, take Going-to-the-Sun Road (seasonal, reservations $2 via recreation.gov). Shuttles run summer weekends.
Interactive Map to Saint Mary Lake
Best Time to Visit Saint Mary Lake
June-September for road access and warm weather (60-80°F days). July peak crowds; September fewer people, fall colors. Avoid winter closures. I go mid-week in August for wildberries and fewer vehicles.
Exploring Around Saint Mary Lake Area
Head to Many Glacier for the Grinnell Glacier trail (10 miles, epic). St. Mary Visitor Center offers Blackfeet cultural talks. Nearby East Glacier has KOA camping (3.9/5 reviews).
How to Stay Safe and Personal Pro Tips
Bear country: Carry spray ($40 at visitor center), make noise on trails. Weather shifts fast; pack layers. Emergency: Call 911 or NPS dispatch at 1-877-852-3100. St. Mary Ranger Station: (406) 646-7800.
Pros of Saint Mary Lake
Stunning vistas, accessible by car, and diverse activities from easy walks to boats.
Cons
Crowded summers, no swimming (cold water), seasonal access only.
Personal insight: “Hike with a buddy and check ranger apps for trail conditions,” I always advise. Length of stay: 2-4 days to pair with Sun Road drives.
FAQ: Common Questions About Saint Mary Lake, Montana
What are the best things to do at Saint Mary Lake?
Boat tours, hikes to Virginia Falls, and photo stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road top the list for most visitors.
How much does it cost to visit Saint Mary Lake?
Park entry is $35/car, boat tours are $40, and lodging is $200+. Total daily around $400/couple.
Is Saint Mary Lake safe for swimming?
No, the water stays below 50°F even in summer; it’s great for boating instead.
When is the best time to see Saint Mary Lake?
July-August for full access, September for fewer crowds and colors.
Where to stay near Saint Mary Lake?
St. Mary Village lodges or Rising Sun campsites; book early on Booking.com.