8 Gorgeous Alaska Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required
Discover eight accessible and stunning waterfalls in Alaska that are perfect for family visits.
When the snow melts up high in the mountain passes, Alaska is graced with beautiful waterfalls as the streams make their way to the larger rivers and the sea. Primarily on the coastline, waterfalls are a normal part of the gorgeous views for those who live on the waterfront. Should you find yourself in Alaska researching "waterfalls near me," we've got you covered! We have found 8 of the most amazing waterfalls in Alaska that are accessible to the whole family. These waterfalls don't require extensive hikes or overnight trips; they are easy for anyone to see! Enjoy these beautiful Alaskan waterfalls that are hiding right in plain sight.
1. Horsetail Falls, Valdez
Horsetail Falls is just off the Richardson Highway north of Valdez in the Key Canyon. This 330 foot waterfall has a parking lot right next to it for easy viewing. The falls are spread wide across the rock face making it the most picturesque of the waterfall in the area. Fed by snow and ice melt, the falls empty into the Lowe River. Learn more about how you can drive up to the gorgeous Horsetail Falls in Alaska.
2. Bridal Veil Falls, Valdez
Nearby Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil is one continuous stream of water down the face of the mountain. Accessible right at the roadside for photos or splashing your face with the icy cold mountain run off. This waterfall is so stunning, in fact, that it's been named among the most beautiful waterfalls in America.
3. McHugh Creek Falls, Anchorage
At Mile 111 on the Seward Highway is the recreation area for this beautiful waterfall. 20 feet high and a short walk from a picnic area, it's a perfect place for a day trip with the whole family. This beautiful cascade also makes an appearance on our waterfall road trip through Alaska.
4. Russian River Falls, Cooper Landing
The falls lies at milepost 52 of the Sterling Highway. Although not actually right next to the parking lot, a gentle 1.5-mile stroll along a paved path leads to these incredible falls. The river is teeming with fish in the in the summer months and people come to watch the salmon swim upstream and attempt to make it up the falls.
5. Ketchikan Creek Falls, Ketchikan
Walk to the end of the appropriately named Ketchikan Creek Road and you will find the creek and falls in plain view. Famous for fish, this creek is black with salmon at the height of the run at mid-summer. You can watch hundreds of salmon climb the waterfall "salmon ladder" and succeed in climbing vertically on their quest to get to their
spawning grounds far up river. There's a lot to love about this easy hiking trail in Alaska.
6. Blackstone Falls, Prince William Sound
If you're in the Prince William Sound area and are researching "waterfalls near me," then you're in luck! Blackstone Falls is a must-see. This 500 foot glacial waterfall requires no hiking at all, just a 4 hour boat ride from Whittier to the Blackstone Glacier. This massive flow of icy water tumbles into Prince William Sound. There's no denying that Blackstone Falls is one of the top natural wonders in Alaska.
7. Liberty Falls, Chitina
These beautiful falls are the nearby campground are a perfect place to visit on your way to Chitina or McCarthy. The beautiful falls are easily viewable from the parking lot and the pounding water will lull you to sleep if you camp nearby. Learn more about visiting the beautiful Liberty Falls in Alaska.
8. Lower Reid Waterfall, Skagway
Near the Goldminer Graveyard off the Klondike Highway in Skagway are the Lower Reid Falls. A short, easy walk to an incredible view. The Lower Reid Waterfall is another Alaska natural wonder hiding in plain sight.
The next time you're researching "waterfalls near me" in Alaska, we hope this list helps! Have you been to any of these beautiful waterfalls? Tell us about it in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!
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