Glacier National Park Authorized Concessioner

St. Mary Lake at Rising Sun

St. Mary Lake at Rising Sun

Boat Tours

Boat Tours

Book a Tour

  1. **NEW for 2025, Scenic Tour + Hike, Opening day is June 4th 2025***

St. Mary Lake at Rising Sun

Discover Baring Falls: Scenic Tours Aboard Little Chief or Joy II

Looking for a unique way to soak in the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National Park? The scenic boat tours from Rising Sun boat dock on St. Mary Lake are the perfect adventure! Centrally located just 5 miles from the park's East Entrance, these tours offer incredible views that can only be appreciated from the water.

Scenic 1.5 Hour Tour

Hop aboard the Little Chief or Joy II for a 1.5-hour scenic cruise that’s sure to impress. During the tour, you’ll make a brief stop at the stunning Baring Falls waterfall, where you can take in the natural beauty and snap some photos. As you continue your journey, prepare to be amazed by the views of Wild Goose Island—a highlight of the tour. With 360-degree panoramas of towering peaks and glimpses of the breathtaking Sexton Glacier, this cruise is a feast for the eyes.

3.5 Hour Scenic Tour and Triple Waterfall Hike **NEW for 2025**

If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your day, consider the 3.5-hour Scenic Tour and Triple Waterfall Hike. This option follows the same beautiful route but allows you to disembark at Baring Falls for an unguided 1.6 mile hike to St. Mary falls, if you're up for a little extra adventure an additional 0.8 Miles will take you to the stunning Virginia Falls. You’ll have 2 hours to explore the trails at your own pace, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. After your hike, the boat will return to the Baring Falls dock to pick you up at your designated return time, and take you back to the Rising Sun parking area. This trail is moderate with 525 feet of elevation gain on undulating terrain, total mileage round trip to St Mary Falls is 3.2 miles, and to Virginia falls is 4.8 miles.

A Historical Touch

Did you know that the Little Chief has a fascinating history? Built in 1926 and named after the prominent mountain visible from St. Mary Lake, it became the first boat from the State of Montana to be added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. This charming vessel not only takes you on a scenic adventure but also carries with it a piece of history.

Why You Should Go

Boat tours offer an incredible way to experience the natural beauty of Glacier National Park, whether you prefer a leisurely cruise or an exciting hike. So, grab your friends or family, pack your camera, and set off for a day filled with stunning views and unforgettable memories!

For more details on hiking click this link
Vehicle Reservations

Vehicle Reservations are not required to enter the St Mary Entrance of the GTSR, and Tour Reservations at St Mary Lake will not include Vehicle Reservations to the GTSR Corridor. You must enter the park from the East entrance of the GTSR unless you obtain a Vehicle Reservation on your own to enter at West Glacier.

Tour Length

All tours are 1.5 Hours round trip, except the 6pm tour is 1 hour and does not stop at Baring Falls.

Hiking Options

If water levels allow, all Scenic Tours will stop at the Baring Falls waterfall, you will be allowed 15-20 minutes to view the waterfall, it is an easy 5 minute walk to the falls, then you will head back to the boat to continue your lake tour. If you are on the Scenic Tour + Triple Waterfall Hike, this tour is for hikers only, you must disembark at the falls and you will have 2 hours to hike on your own, you will have a designated pickup time. If you miss your pickup time you will need to catch the NPS Shuttle back to the parking area. See schedule below for tour & pickup times.

One-Way Return Tickets

One-Way tickets are not available.

Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair seating is available on an outside deck for a standard size wheelchair.

Boat Dock/Ticket Office Location & Arrival Time

Rising Sun Boat Dock on St Mary Lake, East Glacier.
For GPS Directions type "Rising Sun Boat Ramp" into Apple Maps or "28 Dock Road, Browning" into Google Maps.

Arrive in parking lot: 1+ hour prior
Check In at Ticket office: 30 min. prior
Boarding Begins: 15 min. prior *Seating is first come first serve, when inside seating is full outside seating is available.

Click this link for more information on Driving Times

Boat Tour Schedule


Tour Time 2025 Dates
9:00am + 3 Waterfall Hike
Return Pickup 11:45am		 June 25 to Sept 7
10:00am June 4 to Sept 7
11:00am + 3 Waterfall Hike
Return Pickup 1:45pm		 June 25 to Sept 7
12:00pm June 4 to Sept 7
1:00pm + 3 Waterfall Hike
Return Pickup 3:45pm		 June 25 to Sept 7
2:00pm June 4 to Sept 7
4:00pm June 4 to Sept 7
5:00pm June 25 to Sept 7
Guests booking Tours with Hikes must disembark and your return pickup time is listed above.
The tour time listed is the departure time.

Tour Pricing

  • 2025
  • Adult
  • $40.50
  • Disability Access
  • 1.5 Hr Tour
  • 3.5 Hr Tour + 3 Waterfall Hike
  • Book Now
Park entrance delays may occur during heavy seasonal visitation. We recommend you plan to arrive at your location at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled tour time to allow extra time to park and check-in at the ticket office. At busy times some entrances may be temporarily closed, please be prepared to present a copy of your Reservation Confirmation on entering the park in case of seasonal closures.
St. Mary Lake Ticket Office

2025 Ticket Office Hours

9:30am to 5:30pm      June 4th to June 24th
8:30am to 6:30pm      June 25th to September 7th

The Rising Sun Ticket Office is located at the end of the Rising Sun boat dock parking lot. The nearest restroom facilities are located behind the ticket office.

For GPS Directions type "Rising Sun Boat Ramp" into Apple Maps or "28 Dock Road, Browning" into Google Maps.

This service is operated by Glacier Park Boat Company, a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting these operations in a satisfactory manner. Services and prices are approved by the National Park Service.

Please address comments to:
Superintendent
Glacier National Park
PO Box 128
West Glacier, Montana 59936

Contact Us Today
Glacier Park Boats Logo

Glacier Park Boat Company
Customer Service Office
282 Sunrise Creek Loop
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
888-611-0747

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