Montana Guides

Deadwood Falls

All guides

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park · nearest town West Glacier (19.7 mi) · 48.66672, -113.63729

Height10 feet
Best seasonMay-October
LandNPS
Verify trail and road conditions before visiting. Use Land ownership on the map for nearby parcels and public lands (informational GIS only). Rock near falls is often wet and slippery.

Deadwood Falls

A waterfall is not merely a feature of the landscape; it is a mechanism of the watershed, a place where gravity and geology intersect to oxygenate the stream and shape the valley floor. Deadwood Falls is a beautiful 10-foot waterfall on Reynolds Creek, characterized by deep, crystal clear pools of water both above and below the falls. The surrounding area features rocky terrain, making it an ideal spot for a break or picnic. Here in Glacier National Park, the water carries the memory of the ice that carved these sheer walls. The hydrology of this system dictates that peak flow occurs in May-October, when the winter snowpack finally yields to the advancing sun. By late summer, the roar diminishes to a quieter conversation between water and stone.

The Ecology of the Approach

To reach the falls requires engaging with the landscape on its own terms. The route follows the Piegan Pass Trail, covering a round-trip distance of 2.3 miles. The terrain demands a easy effort, a fair exchange for the privilege of observing this mechanism of the watershed at close range.

Practical Geography

Land Management: NPS Region: Glacier National Park Height: 10 feet Optimal Season: May-October

Conservation Notes

Hikers should make noise to prevent bear encounters. The trail begins at Jackson Glacier Overlook on the Going-To-The-Sun Road. No specific permits are mentioned for this day hike, but wilderness permits are required for overnight camping in the park.

Today in Montana History

No story for this date

Check the archive for other days in Montana history.