Travel Through A Winter Wonderland To Get To A Frozen Waterfall On The South Fork Falls Trail In Alaska
By Megan McDonald|Published February 03, 2021
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
There are so many ways to explore Alaska in the winter. From dogsledding, to ice climbing, and more, there’s a ton of ways to experience the cold weather beauty that our great state has to offer. This hike out to a frozen waterfall in Alaska should be on your winter bucket list, because these stunning images will stay with you forever!
If you’ve been wanting to hit the trails, this frozen waterfall hike is the perfect reason to get outdoors.
Located in Eagle River, Alaska, this trail is only a 25-minute drive from Anchorage. It’s a beautiful hike all year long, but winter brings something special to the views.
South Fork Falls, also known as Barbara Falls, is an easily accessible waterfall that’s fun to see.
It’s especially spectacular in the wintertime when the falls have frozen over. You’ll still see the water pushing out and over the ice, for a stunning picture once you reach the waterfall.
This is perfect for even the littlest hikers to join in. It’s .7 miles long and only ascends 101 feet total in elevation gain throughout the entire trail.
Many people do hike down to the bottom of the falls for pictures.
If you choose to do so, make sure you bring ice grippers and watch your step. It can be very slick with ice during the winter season, but the views are worth the trek if you want to get closer!
The waterfall itself is 25 feet high, and it spills into a gorge.
Eagle River forks over a giant bedrock outcropping and falls into a canyon below. This is a beautiful scene, and impressive when it’s completely covered in ice.
The trail is located on private property, so please be respectful.
Pack out any trash you may bring on the trail so the owner keeps it open for the general public. Wherever you park, remember not to block driveways or the road with your car. Cars have been towed, so make sure you look for and obey signs in the neighborhood.
The next time you find yourself with a free afternoon, be sure to head out to Eagle River.
This is one stunning cold weather activity that the whole family will love. This trail will be on your to do list each and every winter season.
Have you ever hiked to this frozen waterfall in Alaska? What did you think? Would you recommend it? Is there another frozen waterfall we should check out this winter? Let us know in the comments below!
