The 1.8 Mile Hike To Thunder Bird Falls In Alaska Is Short And Sweet
By Megan McDonald|Published October 07, 2019
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
If you are looking for a great, quick hike that doesn’t take too long but offers stunning views, the Thunder Bird Falls Trail should be first on your list! Located right off the Glenn Highway in Chugiak, the parking lot is only a short distance from the exit. It’s the perfect quick jaunt from anyone coming from the Anchorage area!
Thunder Bird Falls trailhead is located in Chugiak, near Eklutna.
It's an easy 30 minute drive outside of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway. The trailhead is right on the exit off of the highway, and there is plenty of parking!
The falls are a gorgeous two tiered 200 foot waterfall.
The trail is primarily wide, and groomed with packed dirt. There are other parts of the trail that has beautiful wooden boardwalks. If it's rainy or snowy the dirt portions can become muddy, so a good pair of sneakers or boots are recommended!
Keep your eyes peeled for the gorgeous mountains in the distance. You can also carefully peer down into the canyon the trail parallels, and watch the river rushing by!
This easy, rolling hike brings you to an observation platform overlooking the falls.
There is nice viewing from the platform, but you can get up close and personal by continuing the hike on the trail split before the platform. This will allow you to get right down to the bottom of the falls!
Because the trail is accessible in every season, and the hike is open to all skill levels, this is a very popular hike for both locals and tourists. The parking fee for the trailhead is a modest $5.00 parking fee, and well worth it!
Have you hiked the Thunder Bird Falls Trail? What did you think? Would you do it again? Do you have another favorite waterfall trail? Let us know in the comments below!
