From Frozen Waterfalls to Ice Caves: Alaska’s Hidden Winter Gems

When most people picture an Alaskan winter, they think of snow-covered mountains, dog sledding, and the Northern Lights — and those are certainly incredible. But if you dig a little deeper (sometimes literally), you’ll find an entirely different side of winter in Alaska: waterfalls frozen mid-cascade, ice caves so blue they look unreal, and lakes so clear you can skate across them like glass.

Grab your gear of choice: fat bikes, snowshoes, ice skates, skis... If you’re willing to bundle up and explore, read on to find some of Alaska's most spectacular hidden winter gems!

Frozen Waterfalls Straight Out of a Fairytale

Waterfalls don’t stop flowing in the winter; they freeze in place, transforming into dramatic walls of ice. Some become bubbling sheets of blue and white, while others freeze in fascinating and intricate lacy patterns.

Where to Find the Best Frozen Waterfalls in Alaska

• Bridal Veil Falls (Valdez): If you’ve ever wanted to see a 300-foot waterfall frozen in action, this is the place. Located in Keystone Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls turns into a popular ice climber’s spot in the winter, though you don’t have to climb up it to appreciate its size and beauty.
• Thunderbird Falls (Near Anchorage): One of the most accessible frozen waterfalls in Alaska, this a 1.8-mile (round-trip) hike through a snowy birch forest is an easy walk with a big payoff!
• Horsetail Falls (Valdez): Near Bridal Veil Falls, Horsetail Falls is smaller but just as stunning, and it’s often surrounded by snow-covered cliffs.
• Seward Highway: During certain winter conditions, the cliffs alongside the Seward Highway become covered in dramatic frozen waterfalls. Take a drive and see if you can spot any ice climbers!

Pro tip: Even if you’re just visiting to take in the view, bring microspikes or sturdy winter boots. Frozen waterfalls mean frozen trails.

The Ice Caves Beneath Alaska’s Glaciers

Glaciers move and melt in ways that create temporary tunnels of glowing blue ice, some wide enough to walk through, others just big enough to peek inside. These caves don’t last forever, though, so finding one is like stepping into a moment that won’t exist next season.

Alaska Ice Caves You Can Visit

• Mendenhall Ice Caves (Juneau): The most famous, but also the most unpredictable. The ice caves change constantly as the Mendenhall Glacier shifts, so each visit is a little different.
• Castner Glacier Ice Cave (Near Delta Junction): One of the most accessible ice caves in Alaska. The hike is short (about 2.5 miles round trip), and the cave is usually large enough to walk inside. Just make sure you check the conditions before heading out.

Important: Ice caves are constantly shifting and can be dangerous. Always check recent conditions and consider going on a guided tour.

Wild Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes

One of Alaska’s best-kept secrets? Wild ice. When lakes freeze over smooth, clear, and snow-free, you get nature’s version of an ice rink — one that stretches for miles, surrounded by snowy mountains and open sky.

Where to Find the Best Wild Ice in Alaska

• Portage Lake (Near Anchorage): A crowd favorite. Skate beneath a glacier when conditions are just right. It’s hit or miss, but when it’s good, it’s unreal.
• Rabbit Slough (Palmer): A twisting, winding ice trail through a frozen marshland, kind of like a natural ice highway.
• Kenai Lake (Kenai Peninsula): When this lake freezes properly, the views alone are worth the trip. The ice here often takes on a deep blue tint under the right conditions.

Safety note: Wild ice is unpredictable. Never skate alone, always check ice thickness (at least four inches for skating), and bring safety gear like ice picks. Make sure to check the weather reports and consider joining a local Facebook group that checks ice safety.

Frost-Covered Trails and Ice-Filled Forests

Beyond waterfalls, caves, and lakes, Alaska’s forests and meadows turn into frozen wonderlands in winter. Trees become covered in delicate hoar frost, trails sparkle with ice crystals, and hold hidden ice formations that don’t exist in the summer.

Best Winter Hikes for Frozen Scenery

• Eagle River Nature Center Trails: A peaceful winter walk through a forest where every tree looks like it’s been dipped in ice.
• Knik River Valley: This area is full of frozen waterfalls, ice canyons, and stunning views. If you’re lucky, you might even find frozen methane bubbles trapped beneath the ice.
• Harding Icefield Trail (Kenai Fjords National Park): A longer, more challenging trek, but one that leads to breathtaking glacier views in the dead of winter.

Worth it? Absolutely. Just dress warm and keep an eye on your limited daylight hours.

Alaska’s coldest months bring some of its most unforgettable landscapes. Frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and wild skating spots aren’t just for extreme adventurers; they’re out there for anyone willing to bundle up and explore!

So, if you’ve ever wondered what winter in Alaska really looks like, bundle up, head outside, and see for yourself. Need some new gear to stay warm this winter? I love the options at REI.