Deadwood Falls

Red Grinnell rocks frame a 10-ft cascade; 2.2–2.6 mile roundtrip from Jackson Glacier Overlook.

Insider tip

Check Going-to-the-Sun Road status before you go

Insider tip

Start early to beat crowds

The light

Alpenglow on red Grinnell walls during sunrise and sunset

Heads up

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 fall…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.3
Geological Formation4,636 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

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

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon for light and fewer crowds; avoid peak heat midday
Peak Fill Times
Parking often fills by 7–8 AM in peak season; plan to arrive early

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
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.
Parking Availability
Fills quickly in peak season (July–August); arrive before 7–8 AM at Jackson Glacier Overlook

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
55 miles; ~70 minutes from West Entrance via Going-to-the-Sun Road
Road Type
Paved to the trailhead via Going-to-the-Sun Road
GPS Coordinates
48.666724, -113.637290

When to go

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.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow on red Grinnell walls during sunrise and sunset
Best Season
Late May to early October
Busiest Season
July–August
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
Road Opening Dates
Roads open mid-to-late June; reopen through mid-October
Snow Lingering
Late-season snow possible; traction may be needed along trail
Winter Access
Not accessible in winter; snowbound
Weather Patterns
Mornings clearer; potential afternoon thunderstorms; plan for changing conditions

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Cascade waterfall; Grinnell Formation red walls; ancient sedimentary context with mudcracks and ripple marks
Photo Opportunities
Golden-hour glow on red rock walls; close-up of the cascade; long-exposure shots of the plunge pool
Photography Spots
Main fall from trail vantage; downstream gorge; upstream rock ledges offer different lighting angles
Best Viewpoints
Trail viewpoints near the main fall; downstream view along the Reynolds Creek corridor; upstream gorge vantage on adjacent segments
Common Wildlife
Grizzly bears; mountain goats; bighorn sheep; coyotes; varied birds
Best Wildlife Times
Dawn and dusk; bear activity peaks early in season; move with care and make noise
Geological 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
Stargazing Quality
Good on clear nights away from town; darker skies than valley floors

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Unreliable; plan for no cell service in the canyon area
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Trail not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; uphill return; watch footing near the cascade
Accessibility Level
Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; significant uphill return
Nearby Services
St. Mary Visitor Center (restrooms, water); Reynolds Creek Campground vault toilets; parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook
Nearby Facilities
Reynolds Creek Campground vault toilets; St. Mary Visitor Center restrooms and water; parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook
Family Friendly Notes
Rugged terrain and bear presence require close supervision of children; no barriers at the falls; hold hands near edges

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Reynolds Creek Campground; St. Mary Visitor Center; Going-to-the-Sun Road; Jackson Glacier Overlook
Connecting Trails
Reynolds Creek Trail; Gunsight Pass area connections
Trailheads Here
Jackson Glacier Overlook trailhead (Reynolds Creek Trail)

Planning advice

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
Tips Advice
  • 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

More details

Park Area
St. Mary
Elevation Feet
4636
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
10 feet
Waterfall Flow Rate
Varies with snowmelt; higher in spring
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
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.

Location

Deadwood Falls, a rugged waterfall along Deadwood Creek in Glacier National Park, surrounded by dense conifer forestDeadwood Falls framed by evergreen trees in Glacier National Park, with snow-capped peaks in the distance.Deadwood Falls at Glacier National Park cascades between reddish rock walls as two hikers rest on a rocky ledge beside the pool.Deadwood Falls glimpsed through a dense evergreen forest in Glacier National Park.

Frequently asked questions

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?

Yes. The short trek uncovers a vivid red Grinnell Formation backdrop and exposes mudcracks/ripple marks, offering a compact but scientifically rich moment in Glacier’s deep-time story.

Can I bring my dog on this trail?

Dog access on Deadwood Falls follows Glacier’s backcountry policy; keep dogs on allowed routes and under control; in practice, be prepared for limited enforcement along rugged sections and always leash respectively for wildlife safety.

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

The roundtrip is moderate (2.2–2.6 miles) with a descent of about 665 feet and a steep uphill return; it can be strenuous for some older hikers. Assess fitness, take breaks, and consider the weather and trail conditions before committing.

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

Deadwood Falls is fed by Reynolds Creek in a shaded canyon; the water color comes from the rock and light in the setting, not a vivid artificial blue—expect natural river tones with the red rock backdrop.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.