Redrock Falls Trail

Flat waterfall walk with moose risk. Slippery rocks demand respect.

Trail

Trail

YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY

What would you love to do here?

Redrock Falls combines a relatively flat Many Glacier trail with waterfall scenery; Fishercap Lake offers another place to pause along the way. Choose the full falls walk or make the lake your focus. Moose are sometimes seen, never guaranteed: keep your distance. Carry water, food, layers and bear spray, stay together and use care near water. Check current trail conditions and access before departure.

Hike through to Redrock Falls

Follow the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail to the falls, a 3.8-mile round trip based on the 1.9-mile one-way distance. Fishercap Lake is a stop along the way, and moose are sometimes seen in the area, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Swiftcurrent Pass Trail from the west end of Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot · Moderate effort

With children

The route is relatively flat, but children still need to stay with the group and be prepared with water, food and layers.

Make Fishercap Lake the focus

Make Fishercap Lake your observation stop rather than committing to the falls. Leave room to linger, but never approach wildlife or count on a sighting.

Fishercap Lake on the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail · Low effort

With children

Let the group’s energy set your turnaround. Keep children close near the water and give wildlife space; a shorter plan still needs water, food and layers.

Saved choices are ideas, not reservations. Check current access, conditions and opening times before travel.

Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026

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

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

Trail Highlights
Redrock Falls waterfall; crystal-clear alpine plunge pool; potential moose sightings; subalpine wildflowers
Trail Features
  • Waterfall
  • Subalpine scenery
  • Moose habitat
  • Swiftcurrent Pass Trail junction

What the outing demands

Estimated Time
2 to 3 hours roundtrip

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
West end of Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot
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.

Explore your choices Choose your visit options.

Trail profile

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

Trailhead & access

Shuttle Required
No
Shuttle Details
Not required. The trailhead is directly accessible from Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
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
Yes
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
Best Season
Late June through mid-October (dependent on snowmelt and road accessibility)
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
Yes
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.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead

5.65 miles round-trip, 757 ft gain. Pack water, bear spray, and start before dawn to beat crowds.

Apikuni Falls Trail

Steep waterfall crusher: 0.8 miles, 651ft elevation gain. Short burst, big payoff.

Swiftcurrent Lake Trail

Flat 2.6-mile loop. Lake views, historic buildings, accessibility options. Start early to dodge crowds.

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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 June 2026. Report an issue.