Deadwood Falls, Glacier National Park

Deadwood Falls in Glacier National Park tumbles over pink-hued rock walls beside a forested canyon.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.666724, -113.637290
Accessibility: Trail not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; uphill return; watch footing near the cascade

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Reynolds Creek Campground; St. Mary Visitor Center; Going-to-the-Sun Road; Jackson Glacier Overlook
Nearby Facilities: Reynolds Creek Campground vault toilets; St. Mary Visitor Center restrooms and water; parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook
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.
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
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

More details

Park Area: St. Mary
Family Friendly Notes: Rugged terrain and bear presence require close supervision of children; no barriers at the falls; hold hands near edges
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 4636
Distance From Entrance: 55 miles; ~70 minutes from West Entrance via Going-to-the-Sun Road
Accessibility Level: Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain; significant uphill return
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
Road Type: 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
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Cascade waterfall; Grinnell Formation red walls; ancient sedimentary context with mudcracks and ripple marks
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
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
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
Photography Spots: Main fall from trail vantage; downstream gorge; upstream rock ledges offer different lighting angles
Stargazing Quality: Good on clear nights away from town; darker skies than valley floors
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow on red Grinnell walls during sunrise and sunset
Visitor Center Present: 1
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable; plan for no cell service in the canyon area
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Jackson Glacier Overlook trailhead (Reynolds Creek Trail)
Connecting Trails: Reynolds Creek Trail; Gunsight Pass area connections
Nearby Services: St. Mary Visitor Center (restrooms, water); Reynolds Creek Campground vault toilets; parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook
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
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
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon for light and fewer crowds; avoid peak heat midday
Best Season: Late May to early October
Weather Patterns: Mornings clearer; potential afternoon thunderstorms; plan for changing conditions
Peak Fill Times: Parking often fills by 7–8 AM in peak season; plan to arrive early
Busiest Season: July–August
Waterfall Height: 10 feet
Waterfall Flow Rate: Varies with snowmelt; higher in spring
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
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

Photos

Deadwood Falls, a rugged waterfall along Deadwood Creek in Glacier National Park, surrounded by dense conifer forest

Deadwood 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.