The Incredible Hiking Trail In Glacier National Park Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
In the world of outdoor recreation, it's tough to beat an amazing alpine hike. Think inhaling cool, clean air with every breath, incredible mountain scenery everywhere you look, and maybe even some wildlife sightings — ahhhh. Gorgeous hiking trails are plentiful in U.S. national parks, some of which are rugged routes with significant elevation gain, geared toward stronger hikers with experience under their belts. The Redrock Falls Trail in Montana's Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is a mostly flat, 3.8-mile round trip that's accessible to all ages and experience levels. It can even be suitable for poor-weather days, as it avoids exposed windswept ridges, while its many trees provide some shelter from the elements.
With its classic alpine scenery — patches of fragrant pine forest, craggy mountains reflected in crystal-clear lakes, and a spectacular waterfall at the end — the Redrock Falls Trail is one that everyone should experience, no matter how seasoned they are as outdoor adventurers. This hike is an excellent stop for families on the way to Many Glacier, a more remote area on the eastern side of the park that was once covered by numerous glaciers. It's also ideal for visitors planning multiple hiking days around Glacier National Park, who can schedule this gentler trail into a day when their legs need a break. Another highlight of the Redrock Falls Trail is its abundant wildlife. Many AllTrails reviewers have reported encountering moose, bears, and mountain goats along the trail, especially around Fishercap Lake. "Saw a moose, three grizzlies bears, a beaver, a big frog, and a beautiful sunset. Could it be any better?" penned one delighted reviewer.
What to expect along the Redrock Falls Trail
The Redrock Falls Trail begins in the parking lot of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn at the end of Many Glacier Road, about 13 miles west of Babb, Montana. The trail crosses a bridge over Wilbur Creek and then travels through a mixed-conifer forest with some stands of aspen trees along the way. Occasional openings afford views of craggy peaks and small glaciers.
About a mile in, don't miss the family-friendly side trail that leads to Fishercap Lake, where it's common to see moose. The small beach area at this lake is a great place to enjoy a picnic. From Fishercap Lake, the trail continues through the forest toward Redrock Lake. On this stretch, be on the lookout for tiny tart delights: thimbleberries and huckleberries, if you're hiking during the summer months. A little less than 2 miles in, hikers arrive at Redrock Lake, with wide-open views of 8,000-foot-tall peaks like Mount Grinnell and Swiftcurrent Mountain. Besides its impressive scenery, the lake also boasts excellent brook trout fishing.
After passing the northern side of Redrock Lake, the trail approaches Redrock Falls. True to the name, the rocks take on a noticeably reddish color here, forming a stunning backdrop for the falls, which are actually a series of cascades with lower and upper areas. From the main trail, it's possible to do a little rock scrambling to see this natural wonder from different angles and to find a refreshing place to take a dip. (Please exercise caution on the rocks and in the swift-moving water if you do this.) Enjoy the area for a while before either heading back the way you came or continuing on to Bullhead Lake, farther up the trail.
Other not-to-miss experiences in this part of Glacier National Park
Before or after the Redrock Falls hike, plan to spend some time in the exquisite Many Glacier area, which offers many other hiking opportunities, like the epic trails to Grinnell Glacier and Cracker Lake. If you're camping during your visit, check out the Many Glacier Campground near the shores of beautiful Swiftcurrent Lake. The campground is located steps from the Redrock Falls Trail, which, as mentioned earlier, begins in the parking area for the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
The Many Glacier Campground features 110 sites for both tents and RVs, though only 13 sites can accommodate vehicles longer than 35 feet. Potable water and bathrooms are available within the campground loops, while showers, a camp store, and a restaurant are located nextdoor at the inn. For those who prefer sleeping with a proper roof over their heads, the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn also offers 95 modern rooms and cabins.
For the ultimate treat, the crème de la crème of accommodation options in all of Glacier National Park is located on the opposite shore of Swiftcurrent Lake. The Many Glacier Hotel is the national park's "Gem of the West," a historic lodge built in the early 1900s by the Great Northern Railway. Constructed with local materials like wood and stone to blend harmoniously with the natural environment, the elegant property exemplifies the architectural style known as National Park Service Rustic (affectionately called "Parkitecture" by NPS staff). The five-story hotel has 214 rooms and an upscale restaurant, the Ptarmigan Dining Room, all with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.