Since Alaska is the largest state in the country, if you’re asking yourself, “are there any waterfalls near me?” you may find that you’ve got a bit of a drive before you reach your waterfall destination. If you’re near Girdwood, you’re in luck, because the Trail of the Blue Ice is one of the most beautiful trails in Alaska, with both waterfalls and glacier views. This lightly trafficked out and back trail is 7.1 miles one way, strolling past glaciers, waterfalls and gorgeous Alaskan vistas. The trails run along the glacial lake, thick spruce forests, glaciers, and waterfalls. Try the Trail of Blue Ice any time of year for an excellent day walk in the wilderness on an easy, smooth path.

The lovely Trail of Blue Ice runs along the floor of the Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest. It is one of the newer trails in the park and known for the striking beauty of the area, easily accessed by a smooth gravel path.
Daniel Mitchell | AllTrails.com
The trial begins 49 miles south of Anchorage, just off the Seward Highway via the Portage Glacier Road. Start at the Begich-Boggs Visitors Center to learn all about the area before you begin your hike.
Ian M. | AllTrails.com
The trial is wide, smooth and paved most of the way. You can bring a stroller, wheelchair or ride your bicycle. The valley tends to be cool and rainy, so dress accordingly.
Daniel Mitchell | AllTrails.com
This is one of the most popular waterfall trails in Alaska, and with views this breathtaking it's easy to see why. You can bring your dog on this trail, but you must keep them on the leash.
Daniel Mitchell | AllTrails.com
This trail is best used May to September for hiking, and can be traversed by snowshoe or cross-country skied the rest of the year. You can also bring your kayak or pack raft and take a paddle on the glacier lake.
奈津子 ケ | TripAdvisor

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There is very little elevation gain with the exception of a 700' area at the end of the lake where the trail climbs about 30 feet via a small section of stairs. There is another route that follows along the road to avoid the stairs.
Holly Bailey | AllTrails.com
You can access the Trail of Blue Ice in Alaska from the Moose Flats Day Use Area, Explorer Glacier Pullout, Five Fingers Hike-in Camping Area, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, or the lakefront parking lot at the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center.
beth hendrickson | AllTrails.com
Explore the whole trail system for more adventures!
The Trail of Blue Ice is clearly named after the deep, bright blue of the glacial ice. The trail heads past Portage Glacier and the lake formed by the run-off. In Spring and summer, waterfalls abound from the melting ice.
beth hendrickson | AllTrails.com
The trail is beautiful and serene in the winter, alive with wildlife in the summer, and always strikingly beautiful.
beth hendrickson | AllTrails.com
Head down the Trail of Blue Ice for a lovely day out in the wild. Any time of year, you'll love this wild and scenic trail in Alaska.
Daniel Mitchell | AllTrails.com
With views like this, it's no wonder why it's one of the best waterfall hikes in Alaska. Plan your adventure today!

 

On your way, stop by this Conservation Center to see some of the most incredible wildlife including bears, elk, and moose.

Have you been on the Trail of Blue Ice in Alaska? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Jackie Ann | June 13, 2022

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska?

With such a massive landscape, many of the hiking trails in Alaska can seem like they stretch on for days (and many of them do). Introducing the next generation of nature lovers to the Alaskan wilderness is always an adventure, but you don’t want to exhaust the little ones with a day-long hike. One of the best kid-friendly hikes in Alaska can be found right outside of downtown Juneau, the Mendenhall Wetlands Refuge Trail. The trail is approximately 3 miles long and primarily flat, so you can even bring a stroller without too much of a struggle.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Alaska?

You might be surprised to learn that there are 43 official waterfalls in Alaska, with Cascade Falls being the largest waterfall of them all. There are plenty of waterfall hikes in Alaska that are perfect for a day of epic adventure, you just need to find one near you. If you’re in the Valdez area, you can see both the Horsetail Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, two of the most beautiful waterfall trails in Alaska. For a short and sweet waterfall hike in Alaska, head to Skagway and check out the Lower Reid Falls, a scenic fall that’s hidden behind a cemetery.

What are the best wildflower hikes in Alaska?

Fireweed lights up the mountainsides, roadways, and hiking trails for a good portion of the year, and its vibrant color really adds a beautiful final touch to an already gorgeous masterpiece. The Alpine Meadow Trail in Homer is one of the most beautiful wildflower hikes in Alaska, and you’ll even get a bonus view of the glaciers across Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains along the trail. It’s an easy loop trail that clocks in at about 1.5 miles, so it’s also a wonderful kid-friendly trail if you want to bring the whole family out for a day of adventure.

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Trail of Blue Ice, Anchorage, AK 99587, USA