Alaska is brimming with natural beauty. No matter the season, you can look forward to some seriously impressive landmarks. If you happen to be researching, “waterfalls near me” during the colder months, we have just the destination in mind. If you want to see a spectacular waterfall frozen over, Nugget Falls is an easy hike to an impressive sight! This tall and powerful waterfall freezes over during very cold winters and also offers exhilarating ice climbing. Head to Juneau, Alaska to get a first-hand view of this gorgeous phenomenon!

If you're looking for a trail with a great payoff, this hike to these beautiful frozen falls is worth the trek.
Jenny Langmann / AllTrails
Nugget Falls in Juneau, Alaska is the perfect waterfall to visit year-round. In the winter, this beauty freezes over and provides a beautiful backdrop to the end of your hike.
The hike starts at the Mendenhall Visitor Center and is an easy, flat hike all the way out to the lake.
Jenny Langmann / AllTrails
Regardless of the season, the hike is easy to do and offers beautiful views throughout the whole way. The trail is two miles, out and back.
Nugget Falls is a stunning, 375-foot waterfall that empties into Mendenhall Lake.
Jenny Langmann / AllTrails
The falls are huge, and an impressive two tiers. The cascading waters freeze into a series of beautiful ripples all the way to the lake.

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In fact, if the temperature drops low enough for a long enough time, climbers will ascend the face of it.
John Krumm / Flickr
This is a rare opportunity to get views of the area you can't see any other way! The falls are fed by Nugget Creek, which is glacier melt off of Nugget Glacier.
There are only 120 feet of elevation gain spread throughout the entire trail.
John Krumm / Flickr
This is one of the most popular trails in Juneau, but you can be assured that during winter the trail is much quieter than during the busy summer season. This allows you to visit the creaking frozen falls in relative solitude.
Many people of all ages and skill levels love making the trek all the way to the frozen falls.
Raul R / TripAdvisor
There are beautiful views of Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding area. The one hour round trip hike is absolutely worth the effort to see one of the largest waterfalls in Alaska, and the trailhead is only a three-mile drive from downtown Juneau.
This great trail is open and accessible all year long, although you may have to tromp through snow during the winter months.
Steve / Flickr
Park at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center's parking lot, and head in. Make sure to check out the weather reports before you head out, and bring the necessary gear! Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is open Friday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. all winter long.

Have you visited Nugget Falls when it has frozen over for the winter? What did you think? How was the hike? Let us know in the comments below! The next time you’re researching “waterfalls near me,” we hope this dazzling waterfall comes to mind!

After you’ve worked up an appetite hiking to the falls, head over to grab some of The Best Pizza In Alaska Is Served Wednesday Nights At The Devil’s Club Brewing Co.!

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waterfalls near me

Beth C. | March 06, 2022

What are the best waterfalls to visit in Alaska?

Alaska boasts some seriously impressive waterfalls. There are so many, in fact, that it can be hard to know where to begin. Fortunately, we've got you covered! We've compiled a list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alaska that don't require any hiking to get to. In other words, they're hiding in plain sight. One of the most impressive is Horsetail Falls in Valdez. Located right off the Richardson Highway in the Key Canyon, this 330-foot waterfall is truly bucket-list-worthy. And the best part of all? It's located just beyond the parking lot. Talk about easy access! Next up on the list is Bridal Veil Falls, which is also in the Valdez area. This beautiful waterfall cascades down the face of a mountain, creating the most unforgettable spectacle. It's no wonder why Bridal Veil Falls is often listed among the most beautiful waterfalls in the U.S. Some other noteworthy waterfalls in Alaska include McHugh Creek Falls in Anchorage, Russian River Falls in Cooper Landing, Ketchikan Creek Falls in Ketchikan, Blackstone Falls in Prince William Sound, Liberty Falls in Chitina, and the Lower Reid Waterfall in Skagway. Learn more about the best waterfalls to visit in Alaska.

Does Alaska have any hidden gems?

You bet! There are plenty of world-famous attractions in Alaska, but equally impressive are those hidden gems that are located off-the-beaten-path. Some of these places include the Kennicott Ghost Town, Eklutna Lake, Crow Creek Mine, Eagle River Nature Center, Harriman Fjord, Flat Top Mountain, Kincaid Park, McHugh Creek & Falls, and Ship Creek.

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Nugget Falls, Juneau, AK 99801, USA