There’s so much of Alaska to explore, and our stunning waterfalls are just one amazing natural wonder to adore. If you’re in the Anchorage municipality area, there’s an incredible drive that you can take to see all of the amazing waterfalls in this area. So if you have a free morning or afternoon, take 3 hours out of your weekend and go on this ultimate and awesome waterfall road trip in Alaska!

1. Thunderbird Falls
Thunder Bird Falls, Anchorage, AK 99567, USA
Kim F | Flickr
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Alaska, start your trip at Thunderbird Falls in Chugach State Park just outside of Anchorage next to Eklutna Lake. This waterfall is 70 ft. high and very popular with locals and tourists alike. There is a small fee to park at the trailhead, but once you're there the walk is easy. You'll only gain 200 feet in elevation in 0.8 miles but you'll get two good vantage points to see the falls.

2. South Fork Eagle River Falls
Frank Kovalchek | Wikimedia
Next, we pull into Eagle River to view the falls on the South Fork of the river just on the outskirts of town. The trailhead is right at the end of Ken Logan Circle off River Park Drive. Park your vehicle just past the sign at the end of the road and follow the trail across the bridge and up the falls. The hike is only a mile long with very little elevation gain. Trust us, the easy walk is well worth the 60 ft. falls you get to see at the end.
3. McHugh Creek Falls
McHugh Creek, Anchorage, AK, USA
Frank Kovalchek | Flickr
McHugh Creek Falls is an easy one to access though it isn't very big. from Eagle River continue South on Hwy 1 through Anchorage and at the 13 mile marker you'll see a sign for McHugh Creek picnic area. Park, pay the fee, and walk the quick trail down to the creek where you can view the beautiful Alaska waterfall.

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4. Winner Creek Falls
Winner Creek, Anchorage, AK 99587, USA
turcottes78 | Flickr
To reach Winner Creek Falls you start your trek at Crow Creek Mine, which is only a few miles into Girdwood. Once you reach the mine you have easy access to the trail leading down to the falls. The hike is very scenic and enjoyable! You don't gain much elevation and there are fun little obstacles along the way (like a cage pulley system to get across the creek). The waterfall may be small (10 ft.) but it is mighty. This is one of the best waterfalls in Alaska!

5. Virgin Creek Falls
Virgin Creek Falls Trailhead, 1231-1101 Timberline Dr, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Notafilc | YouTube
Drive down Hwy 1 to Girdwood and turn onto Alyeska Hwy. Go roughly 2.5 miles before turning right onto Timberline Drive, Continue on until you reach the end of the road. You've reached the trailhead and it's a very quick walk down to this gorgeous Virgin Creek Falls waterfall.
6. Learnard Falls and Rookery Falls
Whittier, AK 99693, USA
Travis | Flickr
Kill two birds with one stone and see both of these awesome falls from the town of Whittier. By far the easiest falls on the trip, but you can't beat that view!
7. Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
naql | Flickr
This is the final waterfall of our trip and you can easily see it from town like the last two falls, but it's worth the extra effort to get a little closer. This impressive falls drops a total of 600 ft. off the face of Whittier Glacier. There is a parking lot off of Whittier Street with a decent view of the glacier. Park, walk across the parking lot and cross through the campground that sits behind it. With only a little bit of effort you can get pretty close to this substantial glacial waterfall! Whittier is a hidden gem, revealing itself as one of the most scenic places in Alaska.

Are you ready to take this awesome trip? What other falls would you want to see on this waterfall road trip in Alaska? Is there an amazing one we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Is there a waterfall road trip somewhere else in the state of Alaska you would like us to write about? Let us know the spots of your favorite waterfalls!

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Waterfall Road Trip In Alaska

Megan McDonald | May 20, 2020

What are the best waterfall hikes in Alaska?

Besides a great array of waterfalls you can just drive right up to, there’s an amazing amount of waterfall hikes in Alaska. Some of the easiest to hike to are Barbara Falls in Eagle River, Winner Creek, Virgin Falls in Girdwood, and Thunderbird Falls in Eklutna. If you take a boat out into the water in any of our bays you’ll be sure to see the snow runoff turn into stunning waterfalls off the sides of our mountains. There are truly more waterfalls here in this great state than you could possibly count. Make sure to ask a local of the town you’re in for the best advice on which waterfall to hike to when you’re in the area.

Which state parks should I visit in Alaska?

As a state with boundless natural beauty and marvels, there’s a lot to see. Even lifelong Alaskans haven’t been able to enjoy everything there is to view in this vast land. Filled with state parks, National Parks, and wildlife refuges, there are many places in Alaska that will instill a sense of wonder. There are only four state parks in Alaska:

  • Chugach State Park
  • Denali State Park
  • Kachemak Bay State Park
  • Wood-Tikchik State Park

 

Depending on what you’re looking for, all offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Are there any lavender farms in Alaska?

There aren’t any lavender farms here in Alaska, but there are plenty of peony farms! Alaska is in a unique geographic location where our peonies bloom later than most of the world, with blooms arriving in early to mid-summer. This means that we have those giant, gorgeous blooms gracing us in late July!

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