9 Alaska Waterfalls That Are Bigger And More Beautiful Than Ever
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Megan McDonald
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Have you wondered about all the best waterfalls in Alaska? Alaska has an incredible amount of waterfalls, and we are well into the season where they really roar! When the snowpack starts to melt in the spring (or as the rains come in the summer), Alaskans can be assured that all of these awesomely amazing waterfalls will be at their best. Here is a list of some of our favorite Alaskan waterfalls!
Falls Creek Trail, Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99540, USA
Now, this beauty is found at the start of a trailhead off of the Seward Highway! Falls Creek Trail is a five-mile, out-and-back trail that has a rating of difficult. But you can still enjoy these stunning waters, even if you're not a big hiker! These can be seen right at the start of the trail. You can pull into the parking lot and enjoy the waters within just a couple of feet of your car.
25321 Old Glenn Hwy, Chugiak, AK 99567, USA
Thunderbird Falls in Alaska is a stunning waterfall easily accessible by all people. The trail is a rolling 1.8 miles out and back, and it is level. There is even a boardwalk at the end for you to safely view the falls. With spring runoff, the falls can be absolutely spectacular! There is a spur trail that can bring you to the base of the falls that is a little more difficult, but be careful of slipping and falling in as the water will be cold and rushing fast!
This wonderful 4K video highlights everything you need to know about hiking to Thunderbird Falls:
This wonderful 4K video highlights everything you need to know about hiking to Thunderbird Falls:
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1101 Timberline Dr, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
The Virgin Creek Falls reside in the United State's northernmost temperate rainforest. The trail to Virgin Creek Falls is located in Girdwood, Alaska. There is a short but moderate hike to get to the falls, about 0.5 miles. There is elevation gain and you must watch for raised roots in the trail, but the payoff is spectacular!
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Horsetail Falls, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
Horsetail Falls in Alaska is a gorgeous, 330-foot waterfall located in Keystone Canyon. This stunner is only a short drive outside of Valdez. Fed exclusively by snowmelt, you know the absolute best time to see it at its most spectacular is in early spring. One of the most photographed waterfalls in Alaska, you have to put this on your springtime road trip bucket list!
Admire Horsetail Falls from your couch with this stunning video:
Admire Horsetail Falls from your couch with this stunning video:
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Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, Liberty Falls State Recreation Site Rd, Chitina, AK 99566, USA
You can view this stunner known as Liberty Falls off of the Edgerton Highway outside of Chitina, Alaska. In fact, Alaska turned it into a state recreation site complete with camping and bathrooms! In a quiet little peaceful nook, it's an excellent place to have a picnic or spend a couple of days unwinding. There are smaller falls closer to the campground area which provides a restful white noise for your stay.
Nugget Falls, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
A waterfall of epic proportions, Nugget Falls in Alaska is a must-see for anyone heading to Juneau. This waterfall stems from the Nugget Glacier, and it drops an impressive 377 feet onto a beautiful sandbar below. The trail to get there is heavily trafficked but an easy two miles, out and back. It's good for all skill levels and the views of the falls and Mendenhall Glacier are amazing. We promise we mean it when we say this is one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Alaska.
Brooks Falls, Alaska, USA
When checking out a href="https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/alaska/brooks-falls-trail-in-ak/" target="_blank">Brook Falls in Alaska, you'll have to share. The famous waterfalls are filled with brown bears looking for salmon. However, in early spring they will be scarce and you may have the falls to yourself. While only six feet high, the waterfall is wide and long and the area around the falls has archeological human remnants from people dating back 9,000 years.
This amazing video shows just what you might expect from this stunning natural wonderscape - beautiful bears feasting on salmon:
This amazing video shows just what you might expect from this stunning natural wonderscape - beautiful bears feasting on salmon:
South Fork Valley Trailhead, W River Dr, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
South Fork Falls is a gorgeous 25-foot waterfall located in Eagle River. It's an easy 0.7-mile loop to reach the falls and you'll hear the roar before you even see it! One of the Chugach's prettiest waterfalls, it's hidden in the Eagle River Greenbelt system. The falls are incredibly photogenic and you can expect the waters to be loud and high during spring!
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Pitchfork Falls, Skagway, AK 99840, USA
Pitchfork Falls are located outside of Skagway, Alaska and these incredible waters have the distinction of being one of the longest waterfalls in the world. Falling at a height of over 2,000 feet, this waterfall is used in a hydroelectric facility to help power Skagway! You can see this waterfall from the road or a hike up to the base. Visitors who took a helicopter said it was the most spectacular way to see it. Overall, an impressively long waterfall to view in person!
Do you have any favorite waterfalls near me in Alaska that you love to observe? Tell us which one in the comments! If you’re looking for more spring adventures, check out our picks for one dozen of the best must-visit places in Alaska.
Wanna step up your hiking game? You might want to check out AllTrails+. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how (and why) you ever hiked without it.
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More to Explore
Best Waterfalls In Alaska
What is the tallest waterfall in Alaska?
- At 2,100 feet, Pitchfork Falls in Skagway is the tallest waterfall in Alaska. Not only that, but it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the world! The waterfall certainly belongs on your bucket list.
Are there any waterfall road trips I can take in Alaska?
If you’re in the market for a road trip, we have an incredible one for you! Our Ultimate Alaska Waterfalls Road Trip is an adventure worth taking around the state.
- Start your journey at Thunderbird Falls before heading off to South Fork Eagle River Falls and several other gorgeous falls before the trip ends at Horsetail Falls. It’s time to gas up the car and go!
What are some of the most scenic hikes in Alaska?
- There’s no doubt in any of our minds that Alaska is perhaps the most scenic state in the country. So, it’s unsurprising that there are plenty of scenic trails in Alaska that lead you to wondrous places. From waterfalls to mountaintops, the views cannot be beaten.