Redrock Falls, Glacier NP: 50-ft waterfall on Upper McDonald Creek

Redrock Falls cascades along a rocky gorge in Glacier National Park, with pine trees and snow-capped peaks.

Redrock Falls pours a wide curtain of cascades over a red, iron-oxide cliff, spraying the rock with icy mist. Along the trail, multiple viewing spots let you feel the spray and admire the alpine setting. This waterfall is a product of water erosion, driven by Redrock Creek carving through layered bedrock for centuries.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.79765, -113.67869
Accessibility: Trail is easy; some slippery sections near falls; minimal elevation gain; watch for mud after rain

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Fishercap Lake, Redrock Lake, Mt. Grinnell, Swiftcurrent Mountain, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
Nearby Facilities: Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; Fishercap Lake area; restrooms at trailhead; water not guaranteed
Best Time To Visit: Late June through early October. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the red rock glow and reduces glare.
Tips Advice: Side angles near the lower falls offer varied rock textures for photography
Fall colors amplify the red rock; visit in autumn for aspen displays
Bear spray, traction footwear, and staying on established paths are essential; parking fills early
Insider Tips: Side angles near the lower falls offer varied rock textures for photography
Fall colors illuminate the red rock; visit in autumn for aspen displays
Bear spray, traction footwear, and staying on established paths are essential

More details

Park Area: Many Glacier (Glacier National Park)
Family Friendly Notes: Easy trail; keep children away from slick rocks; hold hands near falls
Recent Updates: Seasonal access reminders; parking advisories during peak season; occasional bear activity alerts
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 5145
Distance From Entrance: 3.7 miles round-trip
Accessibility Level: Easy trail; family-friendly with slippery sections near the falls
How To Get There: From the Many Glacier area, drive to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn lot and park there; follow Fishercap Lake/Redrock Falls signs along a 3.6–4.2 mile round-trip trail.
Parking Availability: Parking fills quickly, especially July and August; arrive by 7:00–8:00 AM or hike later in the day; additional parking along the road or at Iceberg Ptarmigan trailhead if main lot is full
Road Type: Paved to Many Glacier area; trail portions are dirt; some sections muddy
Seasonal Access: Many Glacier Road opens in late May or early June
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Wide curtain of cascades on Redrock Creek; red bedrock stained by iron oxide; slick cliff face from constant spray; viewing spots along the trail and at the falls base
What Youll See: Redrock Falls cascade; red rock face; cold mist; Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake along the trail; Mt. Grinnell visible from Redrock Lake
Unique Characteristics: Iron-oxide stained red bedrock on a billion-year-old Grinnell Formation; the falls form a broad curtain in an alpine setting
Safety Considerations: Rocks near the falls are slippery due to mist; water around 50°F; bears and moose common; carry bear spray; traction footwear; stay on established paths; the drop is hazardous; keep clear of the base
Best Viewpoints: Along the trail at multiple viewing points and at the base; lower falls vantage points for close-up rock textures
Photo Opportunities: Close-up of red rock with spray; wide-angle shots with alpine backdrop; early morning lighting preferred
Photography Spots: Lower falls vantage points; side trails near the lower falls
Stargazing Quality: Good
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential; long shadows over the alpine backdrop
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Outhouse
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Unreliable
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead; Fishercap Lake Trailhead
Connecting Trails: Fishercap Lake Trail, Swiftcurrent Pass Trail; connections to Bullhead Lake
Nearby Services: Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; nearby towns: Babb; dining options
Common Wildlife: Moose, bears (grizzly and black), small rodents
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning or late evening
Wildflower Peak: Late July to early August
Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October
Geological Formation Type: Grinnell Formation; iron-oxide stained red bedrock; erosion-formed waterfall
Scientific Interest: Iron-oxide coloration on billion-year-old bedrock; visible record of long-term water erosion within the Grinnell Formation
Road Opening Dates: Many Glacier Road opens in late May or early June
Snow Lingering: Lingering snow in higher elevations into June; sometimes into mid-June
Winter Access: Limited; winter hiking possible with snow cover; snowshoe routes
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon; fall for aspens
Best Season: Late June through early October
Weather Patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer; cool mornings; wind along ridges
Peak Fill Times: 7:00–8:00 AM during peak July–August
Busiest Season: July and August
Waterfall Height: Varies
Waterfall Flow Rate: Seasonal; higher during spring snowmelt; lower in late summer
Lake Size: Not applicable — Redrock Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Upper McDonald Creek, not a lake.
Fishing Species: Not documented; the site is a waterfall on Upper McDonald Creek, so there is no listed fish species for this feature.
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Rated 4.8 stars from 43 reviews. Visitors appreciate the red rock contrast with the white water and the alpine surroundings; parking pressure and safety considerations are common notes; the hike remains popular and worth the effort.