Deadwood Falls, Glacier National Park - 10-Foot Red Grinnell Formation Waterfall

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; significant uphill return

Best Season

Late May to early October

Busiest Season

July–August

Features

Cascade waterfall; Grinnell Formation red walls; ancient sedimentary context with mudcracks and ripple marks

Elevation

4,636 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Red walls rise beside a narrow cascade, feeding a slim plunge pool. The stone is Grinnell Formation, stained red by iron oxide. Reynolds Creek carved the notch, then deep time erosion continued to shape the fall; a rugged, geology-rich moment on the trail.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

4,636 ft

Access

Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; significant uphill return

Main Features

Cascade waterfall; Grinnell Formation red walls; ancient sedimentary context with mudcracks and ripple marks

What You'll See

Red iron-oxide walls along Reynolds Creek; a ~10 ft cascade into a narrow plunge pool; upstream gorge and smaller falls along the creek; no formal barriers along the edge

What Makes It Special

Visible Grinnell Formation exposure with mudcracks and ripple marks; belt-supergroup context and iron-rich red coloration

Best Time to Visit

Late May to early October. Golden hour light makes the red rock walls glow in morning or late-day; Going-to-the-Sun Road opens mid-to-late June and closes mid-October.

Safety Considerations

Gravity hazards on the downhill approach and upstream slick rocks; bear activity in the area; cow parsnip along the path; no formal safety barriers at the falls; bear spray recommended; sturdy shoes; traction cleats late season; keep distance from wildlife

Visitor Tips

Arrive before 7–8 AM to secure parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook
Sturdy shoes required; uneven terrain and a downhill first leg
Bear spray recommended; make noise to avoid surprising bears
Stay back from edge; no formal barriers at the falls
Carry water; there are limited hydrating options on-trail

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 4,636 ft

Distance from Entrance: 55 miles; ~70 minutes from West Entrance via Going-to-the-Sun Road

GPS: 48.666724, -113.637290

What Makes It Unique:

Visible Grinnell Formation exposure with mudcracks and ripple marks; belt-supergroup context and iron-rich red coloration

Water Feature Details

Height: 10 feet

Size: Not available

Flow/Best Viewing: Varies with snowmelt; higher in spring

Fish Species: Not available

Geology

Formation Type: Grinnell Formation; Belt Supergroup

Scientific Interest:

Mudcracks and ripple marks preserved in a red, iron-oxide-rich sedimentary sequence; a window into ancient environments

Getting There

Directions:

From Jackson Glacier Overlook, follow Reynolds Creek Trail 2.2–2.6 miles roundtrip to Deadwood Falls; descend to the cascade, then return via the same route, watching for slick rocks and wildlife.

Access Type: Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; significant uphill return

Road: Paved to the trailhead via Going-to-the-Sun Road

Seasonal Access: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens mid-to-late June and closes mid-October; best late May–early October for Deadwood Falls

Parking: Fills quickly in peak season (July–August); arrive before 7–8 AM at Jackson Glacier Overlook

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Jackson Glacier Overlook trailhead (Reynolds Creek Trail)

Connecting Trails:

Reynolds Creek Trail; Gunsight Pass area connections

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Trail viewpoints near the main fall; downstream view along the Reynolds Creek corridor; upstream gorge vantage on adjacent segments

Photo Opportunities:

Golden-hour glow on red rock walls; close-up of the cascade; long-exposure shots of the plunge pool

Best Photo Spots:

Main fall from trail vantage; downstream gorge; upstream rock ledges offer different lighting angles

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow on red Grinnell walls during sunrise and sunset

Stargazing: Good on clear nights away from town; darker skies than valley floors

Facilities

Visitor Center
Restrooms (Vault toilets)
Potable Water

Cell Service: Unreliable; plan for no cell service in the canyon area

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Grizzly bears; mountain goats; bighorn sheep; coyotes; varied birds

Best Wildlife Viewing: Dawn and dusk; bear activity peaks early in season; move with care and make noise

Wildflower Peak: Not available

Fall Colors Peak: Not available

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late May to early October

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for light and fewer crowds; avoid peak heat midday

Road Opens: Roads open mid-to-late June; reopen through mid-October

Busiest: July–August

Parking Fills: Parking often fills by 7–8 AM in peak season; plan to arrive early

Snow Until: Late-season snow possible; traction may be needed along trail

Winter Access: Not accessible in winter; snowbound

Weather:

Mornings clearer; potential afternoon thunderstorms; plan for changing conditions

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Reynolds Creek Campground; St. Mary Visitor Center; Going-to-the-Sun Road; Jackson Glacier Overlook

Nearby Services:

St. Mary Visitor Center (restrooms, water); Reynolds Creek Campground vault toilets; parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook

Insider Tips

Check Going-to-the-Sun Road status before you go
Start early to beat crowds
Listen for wildlife and speak softly to avoid surprising bears
Bring water; a short rain shell helps during sudden showers

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Trail not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; uphill return; watch footing near the cascade

Family Friendly:

Rugged terrain and bear presence require close supervision of children; no barriers at the falls; hold hands near edges

Nearby Facilities:

Reynolds Creek Campground vault toilets; St. Mary Visitor Center restrooms and water; parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.3 /5

Based on 9 Google reviews

Based on 9 guest reviews

" The site earns 4.3 stars from 9 reviews. Visitors honor the rugged beauty and geology—the 10 ft cascade set in red Grinnell rock—while noting the trail’s uneven terrain and lack of formal barriers demand caution. Overall, the experience is rewarding for geology lovers and hikers who value a short, context-rich outing."

Reviews from Google

Fairly quick hike from Gunsite Pass Trailhead. The falls were pretty, but the best part was upstream from the falls with a narrow gorge and other smaller falls. The water is so clear - the rock formations on the bottom of the creek are amazing.

Beautiful falls not far from Rynolds campsite. Very beautiful rock formations with lots of dry rock space to be near the water or picnic. The trail to here does have a fair bit of decline,but is not bad. Grizzly Bear came down to drink about mid-day 7-19-20

Okay hike, the water waterfalls are very pretty if a little small. St Mary’s falls down the road is nicer

Showing 3 of 9 reviews

FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook fills quickly in peak season; arriving before 7–8 AM gives you a better chance to park and start the hike without a long queue.

Is it worth the 2.2–2.6 mile hike just to see Deadwood Falls?

Can I bring my dog on this trail?

Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to the viewpoint?

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

📖 astheyare.org 📖 nps.gov 📖 waterfallhikes.com 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 hikinginglacier.com 📖 roamingtogether.com 📖 smokybear.com 📖 glacier.org 📖 glacierparkcollection.com 📖 toddthehiker.com 📖 erinexploring.com 📖 youtube.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Deadwood Falls

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Activities

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Deadwood Falls

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

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