Redrock Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
285 ft
About Redrock Falls
Redrock Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is a popular destination for hikers due to its scenic beauty and relatively accessible trail. The falls cascade over red-hued rocks, creating a stunning visual contrast with the surrounding forest and mountain landscape.
The Setting
Redrock Falls sits at 5,108 feet within Glacier National Park, fed by the Swiftcurrent Creek, in the high mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 3.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 285 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Redrock Falls is a relatively flat and well-maintained path that winds through forests, meadows, and alongside streams. Along the way, hikers are treated to views of the surrounding mountains and may encounter wildlife such as deer, moose, or bears. The falls themselves are a rewarding sight, with water cascading over red rocks into a serene pool below.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike with moderate foot traffic, especially during the summer months. The trail is family-friendly and offers plenty of opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. The falls are most impressive in late spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Redrock Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A park entrance pass is required to access Glacier National Park. Additionally, a reservation may be required to enter the Many Glacier area during peak season.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Redrock Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Redrock Falls is late spring through early fall, when the trail is clear of snow and the water flow is strongest.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Glacier National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging the environment and to reduce the risk of getting lost. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, as conditions in Glacier National Park can be unpredictable.
Current Water Conditions
47 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
1.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier MT (4 km away).
Today
Low
47 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
45 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
46 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
47 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
51 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
49 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
47 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Saint Mary hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 87 feet of drop through Redrock Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 5,108 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 11 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 50 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,108 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 87 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Redrock Falls is accessed via the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, which begins near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to locate.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
5,108 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.794852° N, -113.711229° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring bear spray and be aware of wildlife, as bears are commonly sighted in the area. Wear sturdy footwear and pack water and snacks for the hike.
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This easy 3.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
St. Mary Village
Chief Mountain Cabins
Glacier Borealis - 27’ Glamping Trailer by Glacier
Walsh Cottage on the shores of Lake McDonald
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
MANY GLACIER CAMPGROUND
1.5 miles away · 110 sites
Overview The Many Glacier Campground is located on the east side of Glacier National Park, at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet. The campground is located about 22 miles from the town of St. Mary and the east entrance to Glacier National Park. Babb, Montana, is the closest community to the Many Glacier Campground and is located approximately 12 miles east of the campground. Babb has a general store, gas station, several restaurants and an U.S. Post Office. Cell phone coverage is not availa
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Swiftcurrent Lake, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Many Glacier Hotel.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area includes bears, moose, deer, and various bird species. Visitors should exercise caution and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cities near Redrock Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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