There is something so undeniably powerful and utterly mesmerizing about the waterfalls found in the great 49th state. Heck, they are even stunning to observe during the winter months when the massive falls become frozen in time. Many of these waterfalls in Alaska are viewable from the cozy comforts of your vehicle, while others require a short hike or a scenic day cruise to fully appreciate the majesty that they hold. The total weekend warrior excursion covers 246 miles and takes just under six hours to complete (one way). Be sure to check out the link to the interactive Google Map to use as your guide.
Google Maps Have fun out there adventure hounds and remember to break the trip up into a couple of days so that you can take your time and enjoy the journey along the way just as much as the final destination.
- Hatcher Pass Falls – Willow
Flickr - Megan In the winter months, everything is a frozen wonderland, but come summertime - you don’t want to miss out on the beauty that can be found at Hatcher Pass. Hike up to the falls or spend the day picking berries with the kiddos. We are sure that no matter what you choose, you’ll be spoiled with natural beauty from start to finish. It’s one of the best Alaska waterfalls to hike to.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information. Hatcher Pass Road, Hatcher Pass Rd, Willow, AK, USA
- Thunderbird Falls – Chugiak
Flickr - TravelingOtter Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage and you’ll be at the trailhead for this beautiful hidden gem. Enjoy a short 1.8-mile stroll in the woods with the kids and dogs, then feast your eyes on the plunging 200-foot waterfall. This serene escape is the perfect way to decompress from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s one of the most beautiful falls in Alaska.
Thunderbird Falls Trail, Chugiak, AK 99567, USA
- South Fork Falls – Eagle River
Wikimedia Commons Located in the mountains near Anchorage, this stunning 60-foot tall waterfall can be easily accessed by just a half mile short stroll. To get here, take the Eagle River Loop exit, turn right onto Hiland Road, drive 3.4 miles and then turn left onto River View Drive, which turns into Waterfall Drive. From there, continue down the road until you reach River Park Drive, then turn left onto Ken Logan Circle and drive to the end of the road. Parking is limited but if you can squeeze in, we know you won’t regret any of the hassles to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alaska. South Fork Eagle River, Anchorage, AK 99577, USA
- McHugh Creek Falls – Turnagain Arm
Flickr - Scott Lowe As you hop on the Seward Highway and head south towards Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, this is one of the first magical little pull-outs to the left. It’s a sweet little 20-foot waterfall with an elevation gain of roughly 150 feet. You don’t really have to walk far at all to enjoy the waterfall along with a charming picnic area and stunning views overlooking Cook Inlet on the Turnagain Arm. If you’re looking for hiking trails with waterfalls in Alaska, this is one of the easier ones.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information. McHugh Creek Trailhead, 111 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
- Winner Creek Falls – Girdwood
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region This easy hike to one of the best Alaska falls is unforgettable. Once you arrive, cross over the suspension bridge and soak in all the enchanting backcountry beauty that is just minutes away from civilization. Winner Creek Gorge Trail Head (Lower Winner Creek Trail), 601 Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
- Virgin Creek Falls – Girdwood
Frank Kovalchek/Wikimedia Commons Head up Timberline Road where a half-mile narrow footpath will then lead you to these awe-inspiring falls. Hiking through the dense forest offers beautiful flora and fauna views during the summertime, and the peek-a-boo views overlooking the ‘arm’ will blow your mind. It’s one of the lovliest falls in Alaska.
Virgin Creek Waterfalls, Virgin Creek, Anchorage, AK, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
- Rookery Falls – Whittier
Flickr - pbarbosa These beautiful falls plunging off the sides of massive rock faces are named after the kittiwake and other small gull bird rookeries in the area. Whittier will fill your eyes with tons of hanging glaciers and spectacular falls in the distance. It’s one of the most impressive waterfalls in Alaska.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information. Whittier, AK 99693, USA
- Blackstone Glacier Falls – Whittier
Flickr - a sun Blackstone Glacier in Prince William Sound can be accessed by a renowned 26 Glacier Cruise during the magical summer months. You will not believe your eyes when you see the breathtaking contrast of glaciers and waterfalls colliding brilliantly.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information. Whittier, AK 99693, USA
- Marathon Creek Falls – Seward
Thomas Regan/AllTrails The Kenai Peninsula has many remarkable attractions, but Mt. Marathon in Seward is among the best of the best. Skip the crazy crawl straight uphill and hike up to the Sheffler Creek Trail for a couple of miles and prepare to be rewarded with fascinating waterfall and mountain views. Seward, AK 99664, USA
- Lowell Point Waterfall – Seward
Michael Dirks/Google Local End your epic waterfall weekend road trip in Alaska by driving all the way out to Lowell Point in Seward. Right when you start the journey you’ll notice this thundering waterfall off to the right. Stop and take in a spectacular photo-op before hitting the road back home. It’s one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Alaska.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information.
Seward, AK 99664, USA
Have you visited any of these gorgeous waterfalls in Alaska? Let us know in the comments if you have!
Google Maps
Have fun out there adventure hounds and remember to break the trip up into a couple of days so that you can take your time and enjoy the journey along the way just as much as the final destination.
Flickr - Megan
In the winter months, everything is a frozen wonderland, but come summertime - you don’t want to miss out on the beauty that can be found at Hatcher Pass. Hike up to the falls or spend the day picking berries with the kiddos. We are sure that no matter what you choose, you’ll be spoiled with natural beauty from start to finish. It’s one of the best Alaska waterfalls to hike to.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information.
Hatcher Pass Road, Hatcher Pass Rd, Willow, AK, USA
Flickr - TravelingOtter
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage and you’ll be at the trailhead for this beautiful hidden gem. Enjoy a short 1.8-mile stroll in the woods with the kids and dogs, then feast your eyes on the plunging 200-foot waterfall. This serene escape is the perfect way to decompress from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s one of the most beautiful falls in Alaska.
Thunderbird Falls Trail, Chugiak, AK 99567, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Located in the mountains near Anchorage, this stunning 60-foot tall waterfall can be easily accessed by just a half mile short stroll. To get here, take the Eagle River Loop exit, turn right onto Hiland Road, drive 3.4 miles and then turn left onto River View Drive, which turns into Waterfall Drive. From there, continue down the road until you reach River Park Drive, then turn left onto Ken Logan Circle and drive to the end of the road. Parking is limited but if you can squeeze in, we know you won’t regret any of the hassles to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alaska.
South Fork Eagle River, Anchorage, AK 99577, USA
Flickr - Scott Lowe
As you hop on the Seward Highway and head south towards Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, this is one of the first magical little pull-outs to the left. It’s a sweet little 20-foot waterfall with an elevation gain of roughly 150 feet. You don’t really have to walk far at all to enjoy the waterfall along with a charming picnic area and stunning views overlooking Cook Inlet on the Turnagain Arm. If you’re looking for hiking trails with waterfalls in Alaska, this is one of the easier ones.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information.
McHugh Creek Trailhead, 111 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region
This easy hike to one of the best Alaska falls is unforgettable. Once you arrive, cross over the suspension bridge and soak in all the enchanting backcountry beauty that is just minutes away from civilization.
Winner Creek Gorge Trail Head (Lower Winner Creek Trail), 601 Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Frank Kovalchek/Wikimedia Commons
Head up Timberline Road where a half-mile narrow footpath will then lead you to these awe-inspiring falls. Hiking through the dense forest offers beautiful flora and fauna views during the summertime, and the peek-a-boo views overlooking the ‘arm’ will blow your mind. It’s one of the lovliest falls in Alaska.
Virgin Creek Waterfalls, Virgin Creek, Anchorage, AK, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Flickr - pbarbosa
These beautiful falls plunging off the sides of massive rock faces are named after the kittiwake and other small gull bird rookeries in the area. Whittier will fill your eyes with tons of hanging glaciers and spectacular falls in the distance. It’s one of the most impressive waterfalls in Alaska.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information.
Whittier, AK 99693, USA
Flickr - a sun
Blackstone Glacier in Prince William Sound can be accessed by a renowned 26 Glacier Cruise during the magical summer months. You will not believe your eyes when you see the breathtaking contrast of glaciers and waterfalls colliding brilliantly.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information.
Thomas Regan/AllTrails
The Kenai Peninsula has many remarkable attractions, but Mt. Marathon in Seward is among the best of the best. Skip the crazy crawl straight uphill and hike up to the Sheffler Creek Trail for a couple of miles and prepare to be rewarded with fascinating waterfall and mountain views.
Seward, AK 99664, USA
Michael Dirks/Google Local
End your epic waterfall weekend road trip in Alaska by driving all the way out to Lowell Point in Seward. Right when you start the journey you’ll notice this thundering waterfall off to the right. Stop and take in a spectacular photo-op before hitting the road back home. It’s one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Alaska.
Visit the Alaska.org website for more information.
For more fun adventures, be sure to take this road trip through Alaska’s most picturesque small towns for a scenic experience. And definitely check out these seven incredible scenic spots throughout Alaska on this scenic weekend road trip.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls In Alaska March 27, 2022 Melissa M. What are some of the most scenic hiking trails in Alaska? Some of the most scenic hiking trails in Alaska are mentioned in this article. Whether it’s a short and sweet trail through Portage Pass or a longer trail up Barometer Mountain, expect to get a good dose of Alaska’s scenery. Where can I find a natural swimming hole in Alaska? While the state is incredibly cold much of the year, for those who want to brave swimming in the great outdoors, there are several natural swimming holes in Alaska. Lost Lake on the Kenai Peninsula is quite the trek to get to but worth it for a secluded swim spot. Easily accessible, Goose Lake is located just outside of Anchorage. Learn more about these and many other swimming holes in this post. Are there any other epic road trips I can take through Alaska? There are countless epic road trips to take through Alaska. For those who love a good fright, take this road trip to the scariest places in Alaska. There’s also a lovely hidden beaches road trip you can take as well.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls In Alaska
March 27, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the most scenic hiking trails in Alaska? Some of the most scenic hiking trails in Alaska are mentioned in this article. Whether it’s a short and sweet trail through Portage Pass or a longer trail up Barometer Mountain, expect to get a good dose of Alaska’s scenery. Where can I find a natural swimming hole in Alaska? While the state is incredibly cold much of the year, for those who want to brave swimming in the great outdoors, there are several natural swimming holes in Alaska. Lost Lake on the Kenai Peninsula is quite the trek to get to but worth it for a secluded swim spot. Easily accessible, Goose Lake is located just outside of Anchorage. Learn more about these and many other swimming holes in this post. Are there any other epic road trips I can take through Alaska? There are countless epic road trips to take through Alaska. For those who love a good fright, take this road trip to the scariest places in Alaska. There’s also a lovely hidden beaches road trip you can take as well.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some of the most scenic hiking trails in Alaska are mentioned in this article. Whether it’s a short and sweet trail through Portage Pass or a longer trail up Barometer Mountain, expect to get a good dose of Alaska’s scenery.
Where can I find a natural swimming hole in Alaska?
While the state is incredibly cold much of the year, for those who want to brave swimming in the great outdoors, there are several natural swimming holes in Alaska. Lost Lake on the Kenai Peninsula is quite the trek to get to but worth it for a secluded swim spot. Easily accessible, Goose Lake is located just outside of Anchorage. Learn more about these and many other swimming holes in this post.
Are there any other epic road trips I can take through Alaska?
There are countless epic road trips to take through Alaska. For those who love a good fright, take this road trip to the scariest places in Alaska. There’s also a lovely hidden beaches road trip you can take as well.
