Alaska, renowned for its rugged wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, is home to some of the most awe-inspiring hidden waterfalls in the world. These natural wonders, often tucked away in remote and tranquil locations, provide a perfect escape for adventurers seeking solitude and unspoiled beauty.
From cascading torrents fed by melting glaciers to serene falls nestled within lush rainforests, Alaska's waterfalls offer a diverse and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best hidden waterfalls to visit in Alaska, each promising a unique blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure.
1) Falls Creek Falls
Falls Creek Falls, located in Indian, Alaska, is a hidden gem easily accessible from the Seward Highway. This stunning waterfall is situated at the start of the Falls Creek Trail, a challenging five-mile out-and-back hike known for its breathtaking scenery and rugged terrain.
Despite the trail's difficulty, the falls themselves are conveniently visible from the parking area, allowing visitors to enjoy the cascading waters without embarking on the full hike. Nestled amidst lush Alaskan wilderness, Falls Creek Falls offers a serene escape, with its waters tumbling down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense forest.
The falls are especially captivating during the spring and early summer when snowmelt feeds the flow, creating a powerful and picturesque spectacle.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Falls Creek Falls
1) How do I get to Falls Creek Falls in Alaska?
Falls Creek Falls is located off the Seward Highway near the town of Indian, Alaska. To reach the falls, you start at the Falls Creek Trailhead, which is easily accessible from a parking area along the highway.
The trail itself is a challenging five-mile out-and-back hike that provides stunning views of the waterfall right at the beginning, allowing visitors to enjoy the sight without committing to the full hike.
2) What should I expect on the hike to Falls Creek Falls?
The hike to Falls Creek Falls is rated as difficult due to its steep and rugged terrain. The trail spans approximately five miles round trip and involves significant elevation gain. Hikers should be prepared for a strenuous journey and bring adequate water, snacks, and appropriate hiking gear.
Despite the challenging nature of the trail, the beginning portion offers beautiful views of the falls, making it accessible for those who prefer a shorter excursion.
3) When is the best time to visit Falls Creek Falls?
The best time to visit Falls Creek Falls is during the late spring and early summer months when the snowmelt is at its peak, resulting in a more powerful and picturesque waterfall. During these seasons, the weather is generally milder, and the trail conditions are more favorable for hiking.
However, the falls can be visited year-round, with each season offering a unique perspective of the natural surroundings. Visitors should always check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
2) Thunderbird Falls
Thunderbird Falls, nestled in Eklutna, Alaska, is a captivating hidden waterfall that offers a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. Located just off the Old Glenn Highway, this stunning cascade is easily reachable via a family-friendly, 1.8-mile round-trip trail.
The hike to Thunderbird Falls is relatively flat and includes a boardwalk that provides a safe and scenic route through the lush Alaskan forest, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The falls are particularly spectacular during the spring when the snowmelt enhances the water flow, creating a powerful and mesmerizing display.
An additional spur trail allows adventurous visitors to reach the base of the falls, offering an up-close experience of the roaring water.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Thunderbird Falls
1) How do I get to Thunderbird Falls?
Thunderbird Falls is located near Eklutna, Alaska, and is easily accessible from Anchorage. To reach the falls, take the Glenn Highway to the Thunderbird Falls exit (Mile 25), where you will find a well-marked parking area and trailhead. The hike to the falls is a 1.8-mile round trip, making it a convenient and popular destination for a day trip.
2) What is the hike to Thunderbird Falls like?
The hike to Thunderbird Falls is relatively easy and suitable for all skill levels. The trail is well-maintained and features a gentle incline with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for families with children and those looking for a leisurely walk.
3) When is the best time to visit Thunderbird Falls?
The best time to visit Thunderbird Falls is during the spring and early summer months when the snowmelt creates a more powerful and impressive flow. The trail is open year-round, offering different experiences in each season.
3) Virgin Creek Falls
Virgin Creek Falls, located in Girdwood, Alaska, is a hidden treasure nestled within the state's northernmost temperate rainforest. This enchanting waterfall is accessible via a short, 0.5-mile trail that winds through lush greenery, offering hikers a serene and immersive nature experience.
The hike to Virgin Creek Falls is moderately challenging, with some elevation gain and a path dotted with roots, but the reward is well worth the effort. As you approach, you'll hear the soothing sounds of the falls before you see the picturesque cascade of water plunging into a clear pool below.
The falls are especially vibrant in the spring and summer months when the water flow is at its peak, fed by melting snow from the surrounding mountains. Virgin Creek Falls provides a tranquil escape and a perfect spot for photography, meditation, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of Alaskan wilderness.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Virgin Creek Falls
1) How do I get to Virgin Creek Falls?
Virgin Creek Falls is located in Girdwood, Alaska. To reach the falls, drive to the town of Girdwood and follow Timberline Drive to the Virgin Creek Trailhead. The trailhead is easily accessible and has a small parking area. From the trailhead, the falls are just a short, 0.5-mile hike away, making it a convenient destination for a quick outdoor adventure.
2) What can I expect on the hike to Virgin Creek Falls?
The hike to Virgin Creek Falls is relatively short but can be moderately challenging due to the elevation gain and uneven terrain. The 0.5-mile trail winds through a lush temperate rainforest, featuring moss-covered trees and a variety of plant life.
The path can be slippery, especially after rain, so it's important to wear sturdy hiking shoes and take caution. Despite the brief hike, the scenery is stunning and the falls are a rewarding sight at the end of the trail.
3) When is the best time to visit Virgin Creek Falls?
Virgin Creek Falls is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. During these seasons, the falls are particularly vibrant, and the surrounding forest is lush and green.
4) Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls, located near Valdez, Alaska, is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its stunning beauty and easy accessibility. Situated in the picturesque Keystone Canyon, this 330-foot waterfall is fed by snowmelt, making it especially breathtaking in the early spring when the water flow is at its peak.
The falls are conveniently visible from the Richardson Highway, just a short drive from Valdez, allowing travelers to enjoy the spectacle without a strenuous hike. For those who wish to explore further, a short walk leads to the base of the falls, providing an up-close experience of the cascading water and the serene sounds of nature.
Horsetail Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and steep canyon walls, creating a perfect backdrop for photography and nature observation.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Horsetail Falls
1) How do I get to Horsetail Falls?
Horsetail Falls is located near Valdez, Alaska, within Keystone Canyon. To reach the falls, drive along the Richardson Highway to Mile 13, just a short distance from Valdez. The falls are visible from the road, and there is a paved pullout area where visitors can park and enjoy the view.
For those who wish to explore further, a short trail leads closer to the base of the falls.
2) What is the best time to visit Horsetail Falls?
The best time to visit Horsetail Falls is during the spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak, resulting in a more powerful and dramatic waterfall. This period offers the most impressive views of the cascading water.
Additionally, winter visits are popular among ice climbers, as the falls freeze into stunning ice formations. Each season provides a unique experience, but spring and early summer are ideal for witnessing the falls in full flow.
3) What can I expect to see at Horsetail Falls?
Visitors to Horsetail Falls can expect to see a breathtaking 330-foot waterfall cascading down the rugged cliffs of Keystone Canyon. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and steep canyon walls, creating a picturesque and serene environment.
The accessibility of the falls from the road makes it a convenient stop for travelers, while the short trail to the base offers a closer and more immersive experience.
5) Liberty Falls
Liberty Falls, located near Chitina, Alaska, is a stunning hidden waterfall that offers a peaceful retreat into nature's splendor. Nestled off the Edgerton Highway, this picturesque waterfall is part of the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, making it easily accessible for visitors.
The falls cascade about 20 feet into Liberty Creek, creating a soothing soundscape that enhances the serene environment. Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains, Liberty Falls provides a perfect backdrop for photography, picnicking, and camping.
The recreation site features several campsites and picnic areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the area.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Liberty Falls
1) How do I get to Liberty Falls?
Liberty Falls is located near Chitina, Alaska, along the Edgerton Highway. To reach the falls, drive approximately 24 miles east of the Richardson Highway on the Edgerton Highway. Look for signs for the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, which offers a gravel road leading to the falls and a small parking area.
The falls are easily accessible from the parking lot, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
2) What amenities are available at Liberty Falls?
Liberty Falls State Recreation Site offers several amenities to enhance your visit. The site includes picnic areas, campsites, and restroom facilities, providing a comfortable environment for day trips or overnight stays.
The campground is situated near the falls, allowing visitors to enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall throughout their stay. The area is also equipped with interpretive signs that provide information about the local flora, fauna, and geology.
3) What is the best time to visit Liberty Falls?
The best time to visit Liberty Falls is during the late spring and summer months when the weather is milder, and the water flow is robust due to snowmelt. This period provides the most picturesque views of the falls and the surrounding lush landscape.
However, the site is open year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.
6) Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls, a hidden gem in Juneau, Alaska, is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall that plunges 377 feet into the serene Mendenhall Lake. This impressive natural wonder is fed by Nugget Glacier, creating a powerful and mesmerizing cascade that captivates visitors year-round.
Accessible via an easy one-mile hike from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, the trail to Nugget Falls offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the iconic Mendenhall Glacier. The trail is well-maintained and family-friendly, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
Upon reaching the falls, visitors are greeted by the thundering sound of water and a misty breeze, providing a refreshing experience.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Nugget Falls
1) How do I get to Nugget Falls?
Nugget Falls is located near Juneau, Alaska, and is easily accessible from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. To reach the falls, visitors can take the East Glacier Trail or the shorter Nugget Falls Trail, which is approximately one mile each way.
The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, offering scenic views of Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding area along the way.
2) What can I expect to see at Nugget Falls?
Nugget Falls is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall that drops a total of 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake. The falls are fed by Nugget Glacier, creating a powerful and mesmerizing cascade.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the waterfall, the adjacent Mendenhall Glacier, and the serene lake, often dotted with blue icebergs. The area is rich with wildlife, including opportunities to spot eagles, salmon, and sometimes even bears.
3) When is the best time to visit Nugget Falls?
The best time to visit Nugget Falls is during the late spring and summer months when the snowmelt is at its peak, resulting in a more powerful waterfall. This period also offers milder weather and better trail conditions.
7) Brooks Falls
Brooks Falls, located in the heart of Katmai National Park, Alaska, is a hidden waterfall renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities.
This stunning waterfall, though only six feet high, spans the breadth of the Brooks River and creates a dynamic backdrop for one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles: the annual salmon run.
During the summer months, the falls become a hotspot for bear activity, as brown bears congregate to fish for salmon leaping up the falls, offering visitors a unique chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Accessible primarily by floatplane, Brooks Falls is part of the broader Brooks Camp area, which features viewing platforms that provide safe and unobstructed views of the falls and the surrounding wildlife.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Brooks Falls
1) How do I get to Brooks Falls?
Brooks Falls is located in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, and is accessible primarily by floatplane or boat. Most visitors fly from Anchorage, King Salmon, or Homer to Brooks Camp.
From Brooks Camp, it is a short walk to the falls via well-marked trails and boardwalks. The journey often includes stunning aerial views of the Alaskan wilderness, adding to the overall experience.
2) What is Brooks Falls famous for?
Brooks Falls is renowned for its incredible bear-watching opportunities, particularly during the salmon run in July and September. During these months, brown bears gather at the falls to catch migrating salmon, creating a spectacular and unique wildlife viewing experience.
The falls are equipped with several viewing platforms, allowing visitors to safely observe and photograph the bears up close.
3) When is the best time to visit Brooks Falls?
The best time to visit Brooks Falls is during the peak salmon runs in July and September when the bear activity is at its highest. During these periods, the chances of witnessing bears fishing at the falls are significantly increased.
8) South Fork Falls
South Fork Falls, also known as Barbara Falls, is a hidden waterfall located in Eagle River, Alaska, offering a serene and easily accessible nature escape. This beautiful 60-foot cascade is situated just a short distance from Anchorage, making it a convenient destination for a quick outdoor adventure.
The falls are reached via the South Fork Valley Trail, an easy 0.7-mile hike that meanders through lush forest and along the scenic South Fork Eagle River. The trail is family-friendly, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
South Fork Falls is particularly stunning in the spring and early summer when the snowmelt enhances the water flow, creating a powerful and picturesque display.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting South Fork Falls
1) How do I get to South Fork Falls?
South Fork Falls, also known as Barbara Falls, is located in Eagle River, Alaska, just north of Anchorage. To reach the falls, drive to the South Fork Valley Trailhead, which is accessible from West River Drive. From the trailhead, it's a short 0.7-mile hike to the falls. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it a suitable destination for hikers of all skill levels.
2) What can I expect on the hike to South Fork Falls?
The hike to South Fork Falls is an easy 0.7-mile trail with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for families and casual hikers. The trail meanders through a lush forest and follows the South Fork Eagle River, providing scenic views along the way.
As you approach the falls, you'll be greeted by the sight and sound of the 60-foot cascade, which is particularly impressive during the spring and early summer when the water flow is strongest due to snowmelt.
3) When is the best time to visit South Fork Falls?
The best time to visit South Fork Falls is during the late spring and early summer months when the snowmelt enhances the waterfall's flow, creating a powerful and picturesque display. However, the falls can be visited year-round, with each season offering its unique charm.
9) Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls, located near Wrangell in Alaska, is a hidden treasure that promises an unforgettable hiking experience. This captivating waterfall is accessible via the Rainbow Falls Trail, a moderately challenging 1.4-mile out-and-back hike that winds through the lush, scenic rainforest of the Tongass National Forest.
The trail, which features numerous stairs and can be muddy, rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the cascading waters, which are particularly vibrant in the spring and summer when the flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.
The surrounding rainforest adds to the enchanting atmosphere, with moss-covered trees and diverse flora creating a picturesque backdrop. At the base of Rainbow Falls, visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of the rushing water and the refreshing mist that fills the air.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Rainbow Falls
1) How do I get to Rainbow Falls?
Rainbow Falls is located near Wrangell, Alaska, within the Tongass National Forest. To reach the falls, start at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, which is easily accessible from Wrangell.
The trailhead can be found near the end of Bennett Street, where there is a parking area for visitors. The hike to the falls is a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail that is well-marked and moderately challenging due to its elevation gain and stair sections.
2) What can I expect on the hike to Rainbow Falls?
The hike to Rainbow Falls is a moderately challenging 1.4-mile trail that features a series of stairs and can be muddy, especially after rain. The trail winds through a lush, temperate rainforest, offering stunning views of moss-covered trees and diverse plant life.
As you hike, you'll hear the sound of the waterfall growing louder, and upon arrival, you'll be rewarded with the sight of the cascading water plunging into a clear pool below. The scenic beauty and tranquility of the falls make the hike well worth the effort.
3) When is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls?
The best time to visit Rainbow Falls is during the late spring and summer months when the snowmelt enhances the waterfall's flow, creating a more powerful and picturesque display. The trail and surrounding forest are particularly vibrant during these seasons, offering a lush and green environment.
10) Lunch Falls
Lunch Falls, located in the pristine Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, Alaska, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. Accessible via the easy Lunch Falls Trail, this serene waterfall is perfect for hikers of all skill levels.
The trail begins at the Settlers Cove parking lot and winds through lush rainforest, featuring well-maintained boardwalks that make the journey enjoyable even in wet conditions. The falls themselves are a breathtaking sight, with water cascading down moss-covered rocks into a clear pool below.
This area is particularly enchanting due to its quiet and secluded nature, often allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty and sounds of the waterfall in solitude. As you hike, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding forest and coastline, with opportunities to spot local wildlife.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Lunch Falls
1) How do I get to Lunch Falls?
Lunch Falls is located within the Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, Alaska. To reach the falls, start from the Settlers Cove State Recreation Site parking lot, which is easily accessible by car from downtown Ketchikan.
The falls can be accessed via the Lunch Falls Trail, a well-marked and easy loop trail that is approximately 0.8 miles long. The trail features boardwalks and markers to help guide visitors through the lush rainforest to the waterfall.
2) What can I expect on the hike to Lunch Falls?
The hike to Lunch Falls is an easy and enjoyable loop trail that spans about 0.8 miles. The trail is well-maintained with boardwalks and clear markers, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including families with children.
As you hike, you'll pass through dense rainforest with opportunities to see a variety of plant life and possibly some wildlife. The trail also offers scenic views of the coastline and access points to the beach.
3) When is the best time to visit Lunch Falls?
The best time to visit Lunch Falls is during the late spring and summer months when the weather is milder and the trail conditions are favorable. During this time, the waterfall is typically at its most vibrant due to snowmelt and rainfall. However, the trail and falls can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its unique charm.
There you have it! These are 10 of our favourite hidden waterfalls located in Alaska, perfect for your next adventure! Whether you plan to do a road trip around Alaska or are visiting for the summer, you should definitely check out some of these hidden waterfalls!
Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 10,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!
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