Redrock Falls

This review covers the portion of the Swiftcurrent Pass trail from the trailhead at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn to Redrock Falls and back, a distance of 4.4 miles round trip.

The trail begins at one of two trailheads. The main trailhead begins by crossing Wilbur Creek over a bridge with several steps up to reach the bridge span. The secondary trailhead does not have any steps, instead crossing Wilbur Creek immediately below the beautiful Wilbur Falls before a short and brushy side-hill section that rejoins the main trail.

The trail continues west through a medium age forest of lodgepole pines with Fishercap Lake in the valley to the left. This lake frequently has moose, and a short side-jaunt to the shore of the lake is often worth the time, however the side trip should only be taken with a helper or if the rider is confident in their ability to return up the steep hill down to the lake.

The trail continues to climb slowly as views open up towards the head of the valley. After a short descent the trail runs through a narrow gulley with a tall, sharp ridge of rocks bisecting the trail. Here a helper or the ability to dismount and remount the bike will be required in order to cross from one side of the trail to the other.

Following a shallow creek crossing a rider descends to the shore of Redrock lake with Mount Grinnell in the distance. At the head of the lake the falls can be seen. The trail to the falls passes through intermittent open meadows that is prime habitat for grizzly bear, so keep your bear spray handy.

The spur trail to the falls breaks away from the main trail to the left and down a small hillside. Accessing a good view of the falls is difficult while on a handcycle, but the rocks make a great place for a snack before your return ride.

Date ridden: July 18, 2016

More Information

Trail Name: Redrock Falls

Location: Babb, Montana  |  Map

Type: Narrow trail (< 30"), Start and end at the same point (Out-and-Back)

Rating: Adaptive Level 07

Length: 4.4

Steepest Section: Moderate – between 10-30º

Most Off-Camber Section: Moderate – between 10-30º

Terrain: Mostly hardpack, minimal loose sections

Obstacles: Root exposure, Deep ruts and erosion, Baby heads and/or rock gardens, Ravines, drop-ins, Drops, ledges, jumps

Help Needed? Nope

Directions to Trailhead

Begin the trail from one of two trailheads.

1. The main trailhead begins at the west end of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot in Glacier National Park. Note that this trailhead leads to a creek crossing with several steps to reach the bridge and will require a helper.

2. A secondary trailhead begins approximately 100 yards due north of the first trailhead. Follow the roads behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn main office and stay to the left. Look for signs to Wilbur Falls. Both trailheads are indicated at the map link below.

Map

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