When the snow melts up high in the mountain passes, Alaska is graced with beautiful waterfalls as the streams make their way to the larger rivers and the sea. Primarily on the coastline, waterfalls are a normal part of the gorgeous views for those who live on the waterfront. Should you find yourself in Alaska researching “waterfalls near me,” we’ve got you covered! We have found 8 of the most amazing waterfalls in Alaska that are accessible to the whole family. These waterfalls don’t require extensive hikes or overnight trips; they are easy for anyone to see! Enjoy these beautiful Alaskan waterfalls that are hiding right in plain sight.

1. Horsetail Falls, Valdez
Horsetail Falls, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Horsetail Falls is just off the Richardson Highway north of Valdez in the Key Canyon. This 330 foot waterfall has a parking lot right next to it for easy viewing. The falls are spread wide across the rock face making it the most picturesque of the waterfall in the area. Fed by snow and ice melt, the falls empty into the Lowe River. Learn more about how you can drive up to the gorgeous Horsetail Falls in Alaska.
2. Bridal Veil Falls, Valdez
Bridal Veil Falls, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
Dave Bezaire/Flickr
Nearby Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil is one continuous stream of water down the face of the mountain. Accessible right at the roadside for photos or splashing your face with the icy cold mountain run off. This waterfall is so stunning, in fact, that it's been named among the most beautiful waterfalls in America.
3. McHugh Creek Falls, Anchorage
McHugh Creek, Anchorage, AK, USA
Scott Lowe/Flickr
At Mile 111 on the Seward Highway is the recreation area for this beautiful waterfall. 20 feet high and a short walk from a picnic area, it's a perfect place for a day trip with the whole family. This beautiful cascade also makes an appearance on our waterfall road trip through Alaska.
4. Russian River Falls, Cooper Landing
Russian River Falls, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Mike Chellini/Flickr
The falls lies at milepost 52 of the Sterling Highway. Although not actually right next to the parking lot, a gentle 1.5-mile stroll along a paved path leads to these incredible falls. The river is teeming with fish in the in the summer months and people come to watch the salmon swim upstream and attempt to make it up the falls.

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5. Ketchikan Creek Falls, Ketchikan
Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
InternetAgeTraveler/Flickr
Walk to the end of the appropriately named Ketchikan Creek Road and you will find the creek and falls in plain view. Famous for fish, this creek is black with salmon at the height of the run at mid-summer. You can watch hundreds of salmon climb the waterfall "salmon ladder" and succeed in climbing vertically on their quest to get to their spawning grounds far up river. There's a lot to love about this easy hiking trail in Alaska.
6. Blackstone Falls, Prince William Sound
Colin Miller/Flickr
If you're in the Prince William Sound area and are researching "waterfalls near me," then you're in luck! Blackstone Falls is a must-see. This 500 foot glacial waterfall requires no hiking at all, just a 4 hour boat ride from Whittier to the Blackstone Glacier. This massive flow of icy water tumbles into Prince William Sound. There's no denying that Blackstone Falls is one of the top natural wonders in Alaska.
7. Liberty Falls, Chitina
Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, Liberty Falls State Recreation Site Rd, Chitina, AK 99566, USA
Travis/Flickr
These beautiful falls are the nearby campground are a perfect place to visit on your way to Chitina or McCarthy. The beautiful falls are easily viewable from the parking lot and the pounding water will lull you to sleep if you camp nearby. Learn more about visiting the beautiful Liberty Falls in Alaska.
8. Lower Reid Waterfall, Skagway
Lower Reid Falls, Alaska St, Skagway, AK 99840, USA
irmiller/Flickr
Near the Goldminer Graveyard off the Klondike Highway in Skagway are the Lower Reid Falls. A short, easy walk to an incredible view. The Lower Reid Waterfall is another Alaska natural wonder hiding in plain sight.

The next time you’re researching “waterfalls near me” in Alaska, we hope this list helps! Have you been to any of these beautiful waterfalls? Tell us about it in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

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Beth C. | February 27, 2022

What are the top natural wonders in Alaska?

It's no mystery that Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking, jaw-dropping natural wonders on the planet. From glaciers to towering mountain peaks, rushing rivers, wildflower meadows, and the Northern Lights, the Last Frontier aims to impress. One of the most incredible natural wonders in Alaska is Mount Denali. Located in Interior Alaska, this giant peak is known the world over. It's visible from as far away as Fairbanks or Anchorage, but one of the best places to observe it is Denali National Park. Most days, this peak is covered in clouds, so if you catch it on a clear day, consider yourself very lucky! Another must-see destination can be accessed via the Eagle River Nature Center: the Chugach Mountains. These breathtaking mountains are perhaps best enjoyed via the 3/4-mile boardwalk located within the center. There's even a bear and salmon viewing area for those curious to check out the local wildlife. Some other must-see natural wonders in Alaska include McHugh Creek Falls, Eklutna Lake, the Matanuska River, and Blackstone Falls. Looking for even more pure Alaskan beauty? Check out the ultimate Alaska natural wonders road trip -- there's something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast on this list!

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