Waterfalls in Alaska | Journey Alaska

Nothing embodies Alaska’s blend of majesty and serenity far more than Alaska’s waterfalls. Whilst Alaska certainly provides to intellect snow-covered tundra, epic mountain ranges, and unbelievable coastline, it is really also residence to some of the most wonderful waterfalls in the western hemisphere. With breathtaking waterfalls throughout all five areas of the state, Alaska waterfalls inspire all who take a look at, with options for each and every variety of traveler. Many are available by way of path, motor vehicle, air, and boat. Right here are some of the ideal waterfalls in Alaska:

Most effective Waterfalls in Southcentral Alaska

Barbara Falls, Eagle River

These falls are a concealed gem. With small foot visitors and located just a half-mile from the Hiland Street neighborhood in Eagle River, these photogenic falls (also known as South Fork Falls) fall 25 ft and give excellent sights of forest and water. The falls are primarily very in winter season when the cascading water freezes on to the rock deal with.

Thunderbird Falls, Eklutna

This 200-foot waterfall is a person of the most frequented in Alaska. It can be accessed via a a single-mile trail over the Eklutna River and features a lovely viewing deck. The falls can be arrived at calendar year-round, but cleats or spikes on shoes are advocate in winter as the path can be slippery, primarily on the preliminary brief climb. When this is a loved ones-pleasant hike, people with youthful kids should be careful of cliffs and drop-offs alongside the trail.

Virgin Creek Falls, Girdwood

A single of the best waterfalls to attain, Virgin Creek Falls has a magical enchantment surrounded by dense trees, moss-covered rocks, and ferns in a temperate rainforest. The path is a speedy 20-moment hike, and good for families of all ages. The path is easily accessible yr-round, providing fantastic photograph ops and shut proximity to quite a few of Girdwood’s points of interest.

Prince William Sound Waterfalls

Property to more than 150 glaciers within 10,000 sq. miles of secured waterways, Prince William Seem is a haven for waterfall-seekers. Remarkable cascades like Cascade Falls, Northland Falls, and the Kittiwake Rookery falls can be observed in the area’s bays, coves, and tumbling town from alpine glaciers. The greatest way to check out these falls is on a working day cruise or guided kayaking trip from Whittier that will deliver you up close and particular with the falls.

Horsetail Falls & Bridal Veil Falls, Valdez

Situated on the west aspect of the Richardson Highway just less than 20 miles from Valdez, these two quickly accessible falls boast 300-foot cliffside plunges in the Keystone Canyon. Both falls have parking regions right off the highway and can also be seen on foot together the Keystone Canyon Pack Trail. A photo-deserving selection yr-spherical, the falls attract ice climbers in wintertime.

Pioneer Falls, Palmer

A single of the greatest stored tricks of the Palmer-Wasilla spot, these cascading falls can be found off the side of East Knik River Road, about a mile from the Outdated Glenn Freeway. They can be attained just outside the house of the parking good deal and hiked to with minimal effort and hard work. If you are on the lookout for a position to appreciate the views with out the crowds, these falls are one of your finest choices.

Russian River Falls, Cooper Landing

These falls provide a wonderful glimpse into the sockeye salmon spawning period. Situated off the Russian Lakes Path, be absolutely sure to be bear conscious as you walk the trail to the falls as bear sightings are widespread. This spouse and children-friendly hike travels two miles on a wheelchair-obtainable path with light elevation. At the end of the path is a big observation deck in excess of the falls to take in the sights and check out spawning salmon from earlier mentioned.

Pitchfork Falls, Skagway

Cascading 2,000 feet down the mountainside from Goat Lake, these are the tallest falls in Alaska. They are viewable from the Klondike Freeway concerning Skagway, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. The White Go and Yukon Railway goes above the falls so you can see it by street, train, or even by air.

Ketchikan Creek Falls, Creek Avenue in Ketchikan

A brief wander from Ketchikan’s well known Creek Street will carry guests to Ketchikan Creek Falls, viewable from the bridge and viewing platforms on both facet of the falls. The falls is notable as a great place for salmon viewing for the duration of the second 50 percent of summer, with a person-made salmon ladder that was created to assist salmon journey upstream all through spawning season.

Nugget Falls, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

A rapid hike alongside Image Position Trail will lead you to these remarkable 370-foot falls that hurry into Mendenhall Lake up coming to Mendenhall Glacier – one of the most common places in Juneau. You may get to see drifting icebergs on the lake given that the falls lie in an lively calving zone. The .8-mile hike to this falls is a fantastic selection for family members checking out the Mendenhall Glacier Leisure Location.

Indian River Falls, Indian River Path in Sitka

With views of the Sisters Mountains and dense coastal rainforest, this 4.6-mile lengthy trail climbs little by little together with the Indian River and crosses several log bridges and boardwalks. The finish of the trail is Indian River Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that plunges radically from the cliffside.

Very best Waterfalls in Southwest Alaska

Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park

These environment-well-known falls are the backdrop for a single of the most iconic sights in Alaska, as enormous brown bears gather by the dozens to capture spawning salmon as they leap up the falls to vacation upstream. Viewing platforms upcoming to the falls and downriver give site visitors unparalleled views of the motion. Katmai Countrywide Park can be accessed by boat or plane on a bear viewing day excursion or multi-working day trip.

Tanalian Falls, Lake Clark National Park

1 of Alaska’s off-the-overwhelmed-monitor countrywide parks, Lake Clark Nationwide Park is dwelling to huge stretches of wilderness and just a number of miles of set up trails. The Tanalian Falls Trail is portion of the park’s primary path system at its headquarters in Port Alsworth. This effortless 4-mile out and again path takes you via the forest and features sights of Lake Clark prior to major you to the rushing Tanalian Falls. 

Unalaska/Dutch Harbor

Even though you may possibly not journey to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor just for the waterfalls, you are going to be handled to spectacular views of the falls cascading down the green hillsides outside the house of Dutch Harbor. Get a hike or see waterfalls from the sea on a day cruise or fishing charter.

Finest Waterfalls in Alaska’s Arctic

Dorothy Creek, Nome

Situated west of the higher Nome River, this waterfall has no formal path, but can be reached by crossing the open up tundra on the south side of Dorothy Creek and climbing down beside the waterfall.

Gates of the Arctic National Park

There are a variety of waterfall choices during Gates of the Arctic Nationwide Park but having there is not for the faint of heart. Several compact waterfalls can be achieved on backcountry backpacking journeys all over the park.

Best Waterfalls in Inside Alaska

Savage River, Denali National Park and Preserve

Savage River can be attained on the Savage River Loop Path, which is a 1.7-mile path that begins at the Savage River parking lot. This scenic river has some smaller cascading falls which can be identified just beyond the footbridge, 1 mile down the trail. Preserve an eye out for wildlife together the way.

Other notable waterfalls:

Inside of Passage

Southcentral