Redrock Falls Trail

Blurry people in the foreground watch a moose standing in a lake.

Redrock Falls Trail is a 1.9-mile out-and-back hike to a waterfall in Many Glacier. The relatively flat terrain makes this doable for most hikers, but don't underestimate the hazards—moose are spotted here regularly, and water hazards at the falls demand respect. Slippery rocks and steep drop-offs are real. You'll see subalpine scenery and potentially a moose.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.9
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 267

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.9
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 267
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours roundtrip
Trail Features: Waterfall
Subalpine scenery
Moose habitat
Swiftcurrent Pass Trail junction
Trail Highlights: Redrock Falls waterfall; crystal-clear alpine plunge pool; potential moose sightings; subalpine wildflowers

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: West end of Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. The trailhead is directly accessible from Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Not required. This is a day-hike trail.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day park entrance pass)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Typically closed November through early June due to snow. Check with Glacier National Park for current road and trail status in shoulder season.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Filter water from Swiftcurrent Creek and tributary streams. Do not drink untreated water. Carry at least 2 liters per person.
Accessibility: Relatively flat terrain with modest elevation gain. Packed earth trail with some rocky sections. No major scrambling.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Wildlife—moose
Water hazards
Slippery rocks
Steep drop-offs
Hazard Details: Moose are unpredictable and dangerous if startled. The waterfall and streamside have slippery rocks and drop-offs. Water hazards are real—stay back from edges and plunge pool. Maintain awareness of footing at all times.
Best Season: Late June through mid-October (dependent on snowmelt and road accessibility)
Best Time To Visit: Depart by 7:00 AM. The park is typically accessible late June through mid-October. July through early September offer most stable conditions. Check road and trail status before departing.
Tips Advice: Carry minimum 2 liters water—dehydration hits fast at 5,800 ft elevation
Make noise constantly—moose are unpredictable; do not surprise one
Wear grip soles; rocks are slippery even when dry
Trekking poles reduce knee strain on descent
Check forecast and water level before you go; flash flood risk after heavy rain

More details

Park Area: Many Glacier
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, contact Glacier National Park: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: November through early June; snow and ice possible anytime above 5,000 feet
Mud Season: May through early July (typical snowmelt window; conditions vary year to year)
Bug Season: July through early September (typical peak mosquito season at elevation)
Insider Tips: The trail follows Swiftcurrent Pass Trail—stay on the main path and don't detour on unmarked side trails
Early morning light (7-8 AM) provides best photography on the falls
Do not enter the icy plunge pool; current is cold and dangerous
Filter water from streams if refilling; do not drink untreated water
Family Friendly Notes: The easy terrain suits families with school-age kids, but moose awareness is non-negotiable. Teach kids to make noise and stay close. Supervise carefully near water and slippery rocks. Very young children may struggle with the pace and hazards.
Nearby Facilities: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is at the trailhead (parking, restrooms seasonal). Check with NPS for other services in Many Glacier area.
Review Summary: Hikers call this the accessible waterfall hike in Glacier—short, scenic, and doable for most fitness levels. But moose sightings and slippery rocks keep it from being a casual stroll. The altitude hits harder than the mileage suggests. Bring water and make noise.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will we see a moose?

Possible. Moose frequent this drainage, especially early morning and dusk. Make constant noise—talk loudly, use a bear bell. If you spot one, back away slowly and do NOT approach. Moose are unpredictable and more dangerous than bears.

Can young kids do this?

Yes, if they're fit hikers and follow instructions. The 1.9 miles is manageable, but the slippery rocks at the falls and moose risk require constant parental supervision. Expect to move slowly and keep hands on younger kids near water.

How much water should I bring?

Minimum 2 liters per person. You're at 5,800 ft elevation with limited shade—dehydration sneaks up fast. Bring a water filter to refill at Swiftcurrent Creek.

Is the trail well-marked?

It follows the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, which is well-worn. But trail junctions can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Bring a map and stay alert.

What if I'm afraid of heights?

The trail itself has no exposed drop-offs. But the falls area has steep edges and slippery rocks overlooking water. Stay back from the edges and you'll be fine—not a technical climb.

Can I bring my dog?

Park policy on dogs is unclear from available data. Check current regulations with Glacier National Park (https://www.nps.gov/glac/) before bringing your dog.