Posted in Alaska
February 21, 2016
The Ultimate Alaska Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here – And You’ll Want To Do It
Spring is just around the corner and that means Alaskans all around the state are preparing for the dreaded breakup. That’s right, the days are getting longer, the temperature is getting warmer, and the ice and snow are getting the heck outta dodge. Sure, no one likes dirty, grey slush or feet deep puddles, yet, believe it or not, there is a silver lining to this icky time of year… waterfalls!
With all the rapidly melting snow and ice, the rivers are flowing high and strong; meaning the waterfalls are going to be at their finest in just a few short weeks. So take 3 hours out of your weekend and go on this ultimate and AWESOME Alaskan waterfall road trip!
We will start our trip at Thunderbird Falls in Chugach State Park just outside of Anchorage next to Eklutna Lake. This waterfall is 70 ft. high and very popular with locals and tourists alike. There is a small fee to park at the trailhead, but once you're there the walk is easy. You'll only gain 200 feet in elevation in 0.8 miles but you'll get two good vantage points to see the falls.
Next we pull into Eagle River to view the falls on the South Fork of the river just on the outskirts of town. The trailhead is right at the end of Ken Logan Circle off of River Park Drive. Park your vehicle just past the sign at the end of the road and follow the trail across the bridge and up the to the falls. The hike is only a mile long with very little elevation gain. Trust me, the easy walk is well worth the 60 ft. falls you get to see at the end.
McHugh Creek Falls is an easy one to access though it isn't very big. from Eagle River continue South on Hwy 1 through Anchorage and at the 13 mile marker you'll see a sign for McHugh Creek picnic area. Park, pay the fee, and walk the quick trail down to the creek where you can view the waterfall.
To reach Winner Creek Falls you start your trek at Crow Creek Mine, which is only a few miles into Girdwood. Once you reach the mine you have easy access to the trail leading down to the falls. The hike is very scenic and enjoyable! You don't gain much elevation and there are fun little obstacles along the way (like a cage pulley system to get across the creek). The waterfall may be small (10 ft.) but it is mighty.
Drive down Hwy 1 to Girdwood and turn onto Alyeska Hwy. Go roughly 2.5 miles before turning right onto Timberline Drive, Continue on until you reach the end of the road. You've reached the trailhead and it's a very quick walk down to this gorgeous waterfall.
Kill two birds with one stone and see both of these awesome falls from the town of Whittier. By far the easiest falls on the trip, but you can't beat that view!
This is the final waterfall of our trip and you can easily see it from town like the last two falls, but it's worth the extra effort to get a little closer. This impressive falls drops a total of 600 ft. off the face of Whittier Glacier. There is a parking lot off of Whittier Street with a decent view of the glacier. Park, walk across the parking lot and cross through the campground that sits behind it. With only a little bit of effort you can get pretty close to this substantial glacial waterfall!
Are you ready to take this trip? What other falls would you want to see?
