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

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Easy trail; family-friendly with slippery sections near the falls

Best Season

Late June through early October

Busiest Season

July and August

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

Elevation

5,145 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

5,145 ft

Access

Easy trail; family-friendly with slippery sections near the falls

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 You'll See

Redrock Falls cascade; red rock face; cold mist; Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake along the trail; Mt. Grinnell visible from Redrock Lake

What Makes It Special

Iron-oxide stained red bedrock on a billion-year-old Grinnell Formation; the falls form a broad curtain in an alpine setting

Best Time to Visit

Late June through early October. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the red rock glow and reduces glare.

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

Visitor Tips

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

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 5,145 ft

Distance from Entrance: 3.7 miles round-trip

GPS: 48.79765, -113.67869

What Makes It Unique:

Iron-oxide stained red bedrock on a billion-year-old Grinnell Formation; the falls form a broad curtain in an alpine setting

Water Feature Details

Height: Varies

Size: Not specified

Flow/Best Viewing: Seasonal; higher during spring snowmelt; lower in late summer

Fish Species: Not specified in data

Geology

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

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Easy trail; family-friendly with slippery sections near the falls

Road: Paved to Many Glacier area; trail portions are dirt; some sections muddy

Seasonal Access: Many Glacier Road opens in late May or early June

Parking: 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

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead; Fishercap Lake Trailhead

Connecting Trails:

Fishercap Lake Trail, Swiftcurrent Pass Trail; connections to Bullhead Lake

Photography & Viewing

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

Best Photo Spots:

Lower falls vantage points; side trails near the lower falls

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential; long shadows over the alpine backdrop

Stargazing: Good

Facilities

Restrooms (Outhouse)
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Unreliable

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Moose, bears (grizzly and black), small rodents

Best Wildlife Viewing: Early morning or late evening

Wildflower Peak: Late July to early August

Fall Colors Peak: Late September to early October

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late June through early October

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon; fall for aspens

Road Opens: Many Glacier Road opens in late May or early June

Busiest: July and August

Parking Fills: 7:00–8:00 AM during peak July–August

Snow Until: Lingering snow in higher elevations into June; sometimes into mid-June

Winter Access: Limited; winter hiking possible with snow cover; snowshoe routes

Weather:

Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer; cool mornings; wind along ridges

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Fishercap Lake, Redrock Lake, Mt. Grinnell, Swiftcurrent Mountain, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Nearby Services:

Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; nearby towns: Babb; dining options

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

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Trail is easy; some slippery sections near falls; minimal elevation gain; watch for mud after rain

Family Friendly:

Easy trail; keep children away from slick rocks; hold hands near falls

Nearby Facilities:

Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn; Fishercap Lake area; restrooms at trailhead; water not guaranteed

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 43 Google reviews

Based on 43 guest reviews

" 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."

Reviews from Google

A beautiful waterfall that is easily accessible via a scenic, fairly flat, and well maintained trail. The trail is 1.8 miles to the falls. There is lots of parking at the visitor center and campground, but the parking lot may be full during busy times and you may have to park outside on the street. Plan 3 or 4 hours to do the out and back trail.

This is a gorgeous place. The hike to it is relatively mild, our 8 year old complained some but, we made it there and back. We saw a deer but not much else in terms of wildlife. Natural beauty however is never ending gorgeous: landscapes, lakes, mountains all of it. It helped that it was sunny and warm when we hiked in mid June.

Really fun and easy hike! The falls are just a short distance off the trail and easy to find. Water flow really depends of rain or snowmelt. There’s a couple spots to get a good view of Redrock Lake on the way. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Showing 3 of 43 reviews

FAQs

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

Yes. Parking fills quickly in peak season, especially July and August; aim for 7:00–8:00 AM or hike later in the day.

Is the 3.6–4.2 mile hike to Redrock Falls worth it?

Will cell service work on the trail?

Is this trail dog-friendly?

Can I expect crowds in peak season?

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Redrock 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

Privacy preferences

Redrock 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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