Sitka is a uniquely beautiful slice of Alaska where the climate stays cool and mild year-round. The striking location is on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska. The refreshing trail heads into the clouds to show off the picturesque location that Sitkans are proud to call home. The Gavan Hill Trail is a favorite and an excellent place for an adventure in Sitka.
This adventurous trail begins near downtown Sitka and climbs the mountains overlooking town. The Cross Trail/Gavan Trail Trailhead is easy to find at the end of Baranof Street.
The Gavan Hill Trail is a 6 mile loop with a car staged at one end. If you are trusting, trade keys and cell phone numbers with someone hiking the other direction and meet in town.
Alaska is a state unlike any other in America. With huge swaths of land like national parks and forests, as well as state parks, Alaska is filled with countless miles of untouched terrain. The hike to Thunderbird Falls in Alaska gives you a peek into the Alaskan wilderness on an easy trail that doesn't take too long but can make you feel like you're transported into another world. Located a quick 30-minute drive outside of Anchorage, Alaska, this is a trail that should make your weekend hiking list!
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Thunderbird Falls is located near Chugiak, Alaska.
It's an easy trail located inside the stunning Chugach State Park. This hike takes you all the way to a stunning waterfall inside this breathtaking forest.
The trail is easily accessible for all ages and skill levels.
This is definitely a hike you want to take the whole family on! It's short enough that even the youngest won't get bored, and there's plenty to see on your way to the waterfall.
Of all the hikes in Chugach State Park, we find this is a great one to bring the young kids on.
The entire hike is 1.8 miles, out and back. The rolling hills are gentle enough that they offer only a 300-foot elevation gain throughout the entire trail.
There's a wooden bridge at the end of the trail that leads to the observation platform.
It towers above the forest below, making you feel like you're walking in the trees. The boardwalk is level, with nice railings, and ends at a beautiful observation deck with views of the falls.
The observation deck is the perfect spot to grab a photo.
Or you can take the split off the trail and hike the rest of the way to the base of the falls. It can be a little slippery, and the trail is steep, but it is so worth the view!
After hiking through a winter wonderland, you can watch the water flow over the frozen falls. It makes for a stunning backdrop to the end of your hike. Make sure to bring your camera.
There's plenty of parking at the trailhead parking lot, and each car is only a $5.00 parking fee.
The trailhead parking is right off the road that leads you to Eklutna Lake. It's an easy drive from Anchorage or the Valley, and it pays off with whimsical, stunning views of the beautiful falls.
Thunderbird Falls in Alaska is one of my family’s favorite hikes.
It’s an easy walk with a big payoff, and we hike it at least once a year!
Have you ever done the hike to Thunderbird Falls In Alaska? What did you think? Would you do it again? Let us know in the comments below. Make sure to get your gear for the hike at REI.
If you're looking for a great place to watch autumn take over Alaska, the Gold Mint Trailhead in Hatcher Pass will take you up into the mountains and is a stunning way to watch fall arrive! Located in Palmer, this beautiful hike takes you all the way to the infamous Mint Hut.
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Autumn swoops in spectacularly in Alaska and Hatcher Pass offers incredible colors for you to enjoy.
The Gold Mint Trail is the perfect way to stroll through all the fall splendor, while also getting in a great workout. The mountains and plants in the area turn red in such a beautiful way.
The Gold Mint Trail is approximately 16 miles, out and back, although you can turn around anytime.
You won't want to miss the views at the end of the trail, so it is highly recommended to hike all the way to the top. You'll spend the first couple of miles hiking along the Little Susitna River, which is beautiful in its own right.
At the end of the trail is the iconic Mint Hut. You’ll want to make it all the way there if you can; it was my favorite part of the hike!
Luckily, you are less likely to run into a bear during the autumn months. And since many of the leaves have fallen off of the trees, you can see farther into the distance, which will give you longer to react if you do see one.
The trail itself is well maintained and flat as it follows the river towards Mint Glacier and the mountains at the end of the valley.
It fact, it can be fairly easy until you reach the elevation gain towards the end of the trail. There's 2,119 feet of elevation gain, most of it in the last mile, which can prove to be a strenuous workout.
If you choose to go in the spring or summer, you may have to do some river or stream fording.
Sitting at what feels like the edge of the world, the Mint Hut offers incredible views of the valley below. You can even spend a night here, although you may end up sharing it with fellow hikers, as it's rented on a first come first serve basis.
The views of the jagged peaks above the valley floor are worth the sometimes strenuous hike.
During autumn, the green on the sides of the mountains glow red. The panorama is enough to take anyone's breath away, even though the last mile or so of the hike is a scramble up the side of the mountain, and you have to pick your way through the boulder field.
This hike is open all year long, although we are partial to the autumn views.
You can park at the Gold Mint Trailhead; the daily parking fees are $5.00. That is a small price to pay for enjoying one of the most stunning hikes in Alaska!
This is one of those Alaska “bucket list” items. Hiking out to the hut, spending the night in the glacier, and grabbing your photo in the morning!
Have you ever hiked from the Gold Mint Trailhead? What did you think? Did you make it all the way out to the Mint Hut? Let us know in the comments below! Need to gear up for your adventure? We’re a fan of REI.
