We Hiked Swiftcurrent Pass to Fishercap Lake & Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park. Want a TOUR?

Come on a hike with us to discover whether you should visit Fishercap Lake and Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park.  While we hike Swiftcurrent Pass we’ll share the answers to 11 questions you need to ask before committing to Red Rock Falls and Fishercap Lake  Let’s Get Started! To watch the video version of this post click here or continue reading below

With such a big park you will want to ask

Is Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park Worth the Hike?

Some waterfalls take hours to reach and leave you wondering if the payoff was worth it.  Red Rock Falls is a shorter hike in the Many Glacier section of Glacier National Park.  But, the view opens up to a peaceful series of red-rock cascades framed by alpine peaks. It's scenic, relaxing, and low-effort. The out-and-back trail as we’ll discuss throughout this post is ideal for families, casual hikers, or anyone that wants to enjoy Glacier National Park without the climb. What really makes this hike special is the variety of scenery you pass through including quiet forest, open meadows, two scenic lakes, and of course, the peaceful cascade of Redrock Falls itself.  Whether you’re short on time or just want a gentle trail with great views and a chance for wildlife sightings, Redrock Falls is an easy recommendation.  Swiftcurrent trail is a hike that delivers much more than you expect for the time and energy it takes.  Honestly we had a bit of time one evening and just made the trip to Swiftcurrent and started hiking without much planning.  But, we made mistakes.  So continue learning for the things we wish we knew.

You want all the details so we will discuss where to find moose later.  But first 

When is the Best Time of Day to Hike Fishercap Lake and See Wildlife?

The lighting is softer, the trail is quieter, and the wildlife is just starting to move during early morning when the park comes alive along Swiftcurrent Pass Trail. Moose especially like the early hours, and you’re more likely to have the lake and waterfalls to yourself. Evening hikes which is when we hiked the trail are a close second. The Fishercap lake is full of casual hikers walking to the water for a quick view of remaining daylight and photos of the landscape.  But, once you pass the first lake on this trail you are by yourself in the evening.  But, July, August, and early September are the best months.  We hiked in early August and the flowers were blooming and everything was green. 

Now that we have been hiking a bit you may be wondering

How long is the Fishercap Lake to Redrock Falls Hike in Glacier National Park?

A lot of people hear “Many Glacier” and expect long, intense backcountry hikes. But this one is surprisingly mellow. The trail leads through forest, across small creeks, and along a valley floor with beautiful mountain views as you see here. You’ll pass Fishercap and Redrock lakes and end at the scenic waterfall all without breaking a sweat. The full out-and-back trail to Redrock Falls is about 4.2 miles from the Swiftcurrent Trailhead and Inn round-trip. 

Later we will let you know whether you’ll see bears on the trail but first

How Much Time Should I Plan for Hiking Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park?

This depends on how you like to hike. If you power through the  trail with a mission, you might be back at the car in about an hour. But if you're someone who wants to stop at the lake, maybe wait for a moose, grab some photos at the falls, or enjoy a quiet snack it’s going to take longer. If you just want to hang out at Fishercap lake you can experience the water in about 30 minutes.  But, most visitors will want to plan on spending around 1.5 to 2 hours total to fully enjoy the hike and waterfall experience without rushing it.

We have a lot more to go but we’d like to know are you going to Glacier for easy hikes like this one or are you planning to hike the 12 mile journeys  to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and more.  Join the conversation and let us know today!

All right we’ll get back to logistics in a minute but you need to know

Are There Bears on the Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park?

Glacier is one of the most active grizzly bear regions in the country. This trail runs through a classic river corridor which is a perfect habitat for both grizzlies and black bears. But, you won’t always see them even if the signs are usually there: berry bushes, bear scat, and the occasional ranger warning. Hikers should be alert, prepared, and respectful of the animals’ space. But  yes to be clear bears are common in this area 

which leads to the next question

Do I Need Bear Spray on the Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park?

It’s tempting to think that a short, easy hike won’t require serious gear. But Glacier doesn’t play by those rules. Bears are known to move through this area frequently, even right near the trailhead. Most hikers will never see one but it’s not worth the risk. So while the trail may feel tame, you should absolutely carry bear spray and know how to use it.  But if that isn’t enough to convince you we were on the Swiftcurrent trail eating ice cream which probably wasn’t the best idea, from the Swiftcurrent Inn and learned that bears were sighted ahead.  So, we ate the ice cream as fast as we could and rinsed our cups in Wilbur Creek before moving on with our hike.  The bears had moved on but left an impression with many hikers that day.  

Before we continue

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Before we Discuss Permits you may want to know

Where Does the Swiftcurrent Trail Start in Glacier National Park?

It can be tricky figuring out trailhead logistics in a big park like Glacier, especially with the park broken up into sections.   You’ll want to head to the Many Glacier Area and specifically to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.  Parking can be difficult but once you find a spot head to the front of the  Inn.  From there start walking to the left and find the trail sign near the west end of the parking lot. Once at the Trailhead, it’s just a few minutes to Fishercap Lake and the beginning of your hike. But, If you look around there for very long it seems like there are four different ways to start the hike.  Just pick one and head West.  If you go North or South head West when you can and you’ll end up in the right direction unless you find yourself on the Iceberg Lake Trail.  

We’ll discuss where to find moose in a minute but

Do I Need a Permit or Reservation to Hike Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park has been evolving its vehicle entry system over the past few years, and Many Glacier is part of that. While you don’t need any kind of backcountry hiking permit for this particular trail, you may need a vehicle reservation just to access the area depending on the time of year. In the Summer busy season Many Glacier vehicle permits are offered on the National Park Service website.  You will need a permit unless you are staying at the hotel or camping in Many Glacier.  So generally you’ll need a vehicle reservation for Many Glacier during peak summer dates to get to the trailhead.  To learn more click here vehicle reservations - Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

What are the Chances of Seeing a Moose on Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park?

If you’ve seen moose photos from Glacier online, chances are they were taken here. But, you need to know exactly where because we walked two miles further than we needed to.  Fishercap Lake is moose paradise.  The shallow, calm waters and surrounding landscape is great moose habitat. They often wade into Fishercap lake in the early morning or late evening to feed on aquatic plants. wThere must be an underwater salad because we saw moose feeding every time we walked by the lake.  It's not guaranteed, but many hikers do spot one. So if you're hoping for that perfect wildlife moment, Fishercap Lake is one of the best places in the park to see moose.  To get there look for this tree and then turn left.  We walked right past it the first time and trudged on to Redrock Falls not knowing Fishercap Lake was so close.  Thankfully we got directions from other hikers and the moose were still feeding when we returned.  

Every good hike needs a dad joke.  Since we missed it the first time:

What did the moose say when hikers walked right past Fishercap Lake?

“You moosed it!”

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Ok let’s get back to the list and Are you wondering

Is the Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park Good for Beginners or Older Hikers?

Most trails in Glacier National Park are not beginner-friendly. Some gain thousands of feet and involve scrambling over rocks or hugging steep ledges. But the Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls is a refreshing exception. It’s well-maintained, has gentle elevation adjustments, and offers beautiful views without much physical strain. If you’ve got bad knees, are recovering from a longer hike, have young hikers or just want something relaxing, this section of Swiftcurrent Trail is for you and your brood.  

Now that you are getting excited to hike the trail 

What Gear Should I Take to Hike Swiftcurrent Pass to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park?

To hike from Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead to Redrock Falls in Glacier National Park, you won’t need a full alpine setup, but bringing the right gear will make a big difference in your comfort and safety. Start with a good pair of hiking shoes or trail runners.  While the trail is relatively flat, there are uneven and sometimes muddy sections, especially after rain. Carry at least one liter of water per person and pack snacks to eat along the way or while viewing the falls or lakes.  A small daypack is helpful for storing layers, as the weather in Many Glacier can change quickly. Bring a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker, especially in the shoulder seasons. Bear spray is essential as the trail passes through active bear territory, and sightings are common. Trekking poles aren’t necessary for most hikers, but they can be helpful if you have balance issues or if your brood needs a little something extra to keep them entertained. Don’t forget sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, since some portions of the trail are exposed. And finally, bring a first aid kit, compass, flashlight and map as the area is a little confusing. 

Best Day Hiking Map for Glacier: https://geni.us/A6msY

Best Guide Book For Glacier: https://geni.us/BwATRw

For examples of the gear we took on our hike check out these links below for more details.

Teton Sports Hydration Pack Video Review: https://youtu.be/KEBrYwp8RQk

2022 model https://geni.us/8CvKFjt

Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E hydration backpack Video Review for younger hikers: https://youtu.be/WbRgZr6C20g

Amazon Link: https://geni.us/6pYjqVF

Merrell Moab II Men's Hiking Shoes: https://geni.us/FTfvZ

The First Aid Kit we carry: https://geni.us/DlnxOr

Trekking Poles: https://geni.us/67DzA

Tactical Flashlights: https://geni.us/UUjzPJx

Compass: https://geni.us/bFis

Swiss Army Tinker 14 function: https://geni.us/Y7axAhJ

Rescue Rope: https://geni.us/s2fEB  

Can You Swim or Wade at Redrock Falls or Fishercap Lake?

If you’re thinking of jumping in to cool off remember, this is snowmelt-fed water. It’s cold. Still, many hikers will take their boots off and dip their feet in for a few minutes. Fishercap Lake is better suited for moose than humans, but Redrock Falls has small pools that are a bit more inviting. So while swimming isn't really the goal, you can wade in carefully at Redrock Falls if you're up for a chilling experience.

Can I Extend the Hike Beyond Redrock Falls?

Sometimes you hit a trail and just don’t want to stop. If that happens at Redrock Falls, you’re in luck. You can continue up the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail to reach Bullhead Lake. The terrain gets steeper and more rugged the farther you go, but it also gets more dramatic. If you are looking for a longer hike you can even take Swiftcurrent Trail to the Granite Chalet and further to Going To The Sun Road.  

 But to continue planning your trip to Glacier National Park read this next!