There are countless Alaska waterfalls, but very few easily accessible ones. This two-tiered waterfall in Juneau, Alaska at the end of a stunning hike is well worth the time it takes to trek out there. Prepare to be stunned when you come face to face with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alaska at Nugget Falls.

Nugget Falls is a two-tiered waterfall located in Juneau, Alaska.
Matthew Conroy / AllTrails
It is also commonly referred to as "Nugget Creek Falls," or "Mendenhall Glacier Falls." The waterfall is fed by Nugget Creek, runoff from Nugget Glacier. It also lands in Mendenhall Lake, which is a pool of freshwater fed by the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier!
This waterfall is extra special, knowing that it starts and ends with glaciers.
MC Hiker / AllTrails
With more than 100,000 glaciers in Alaska, this phenomena shouldn't be that rare. But it is rare to see it in such a spectacular setting! Mendenhall Glacier sits in perfect view of the falls.
The falls themselves are 377 feet tall.
Brant Olson / AllTrails
The first drop, or first tier, is 99 feet tall. The second tier is a 278-foot drop! The water lands on a lush sandbar at the bottom, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with this awe-inspiring view.
The waterfall is a relatively easy hike that begins at the Mendenhall Visitor's Center.
Dennis Akan / AllTrails
The trail is just two miles long round trip. Even though the trail is popular and heavily trafficked, you will probably still see wildlife. Many times park rangers will stop visitors to allow for bears and their cubs to pass by the trail. Make sure you scan the area nearby because plenty of people will see animals on the mountainside, as well!

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The trail is a mostly flat trail, with very little elevation gain.
Matthew Conroy / AllTrails
It is also primarily paved, so those with mobility difficulties will still be able to make it out to see these stunning falls. The trail is beautiful and skirts the edge of Mendenhall Lake.
You can expect to see a lot of Alaska's wildflowers on the sides of the trail.
Capri Zimmerman / AllTrails
Lupine, fireweed, and other gorgeous Alaskan flowers will be on full display for you, primarily from June through August. Juneau's weather is more temperate than other parts of Alaska so you may have the opportunity to see more than you would elsewhere!
If you can, try to time your hike during the non-peak hours.
Dave Holder/ AllTrails
The hike can be flooded with people when the cruise ships arrive in port. Heading there early morning or evening will allow you to have a slightly more peaceful walk. And if you're traveling there in the summer, you won't have to worry about it being light out, as Juneau enjoys a gorgeous 18 hours of daylight.
The trail is even open in the winter, and just as worthy of a visit.
Jenny Langmann / AllTrails
While many people recommend walking the trail in April through September, the falls as just as gorgeous in the frozen wintertime. Pack your snow boots or snowshoes and enjoy a hike out to the frozen falls.
If you're in Juneau, Nugget Falls Trail should definitely make your to-do list.
Curtis Pliler / AllTrails
There's a bus line that runs close to the visitor center, and it's a short drive from downtown Juneau. It's the perfect way to spend the afternoon!

Check out the hike to Nugget Falls and the Mendenhall Glacier in this video from The Karacsonyi Family:

 

There are so many areas of Alaska that are simply breathtaking. And standing beneath this epic waterfall is definitely an experience of a lifetime. You can find out more about the Nugget Falls Trail in our featured article. Have you had the opportunity to get out to Juneau and hike this magnificent trail? What did you think of the two-tiered waterfall at the end? Let us know in the comments section!

If you’re spending some time in Juneau, try out this beloved fish shack in Alaska that brings the sea straight to your plate!

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More to Explore

More Alaska waterfalls

Chris Muras | April 26, 2023

What are some of the best waterfalls in Juneau, Alaska?

 

Alaska is a natural wonder all by itself. If you enjoy mountain views, forest hikes, and breathtaking waterfalls, a trip to this beautiful-but-wild state is in order and Juneau, Alaska is a great place to start. Here are a few of the best waterfalls and waterfall hikes in Juneau Alaska:

  • Salmon Creek Falls: What is better than a beautiful waterfall you don't have to hike far to enjoy? Juneau's Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an amazing opportunity to dine on all-you-can-eat local salmon in the most beautiful setting. Tours are available from late April to early October.
  • Juneau Creek Falls: This delightful waterfall is accessible via a trail through the Kenai Mountains in Cooper Landing. Around eight miles out-and-back and over fairly easy terrain will treat you to stunning mountain views, rich vegetation, and, of course, your final destination — Juneau Creek Falls. You can get up close and personal with this wonderfully impressive cascade.
  • Perseverance Trail: This stunning Alaskan hike passes two waterfalls through an old-growth forest and over a cool old wooden bridge. Another out-and-back trail about 4.6 miles in length, you'll enjoy amazing views of the Gold Creek Valley. Don't miss the side trail named The Glory Hole, which leads to an 800-foot chasm that was the result of miners digging for gold.
  • The Trail of Time: Start your journey to another stunning Juneau waterfall at the Mendenhall Visitors Center. It's a pretty impressive sight in and of itself. Most people are familiar with the trail that leads to Nugget Falls, but this smaller 1.1-mile trail is just as impressive. Keep a lookout for peekaboo views of the Mendenhall Glacier. There are plenty of mountain streams, wildlife, and small waterfalls to enjoy along the trail. The biggest waterfall on this trail isn't as impressive as Nugget Falls, but it is still a delightful cascade over a group of rock layers.

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Featured Addresses
Nugget Falls, 6000 Glacier Spur Road, Juneau, AK 99801