Take This Beautiful Hike In Alaska Past Glaciers And Waterfalls For The Ultimate Adventure

Since Alaska is the largest state in the country, if you're asking yourself, "are there any waterfalls near me?" you may find that you've got a bit of a drive before you reach your waterfall destination. If you're near Girdwood, you're in luck, because the Trail of the Blue Ice is one of the most beautiful trails in Alaska, with both waterfalls and glacier views. This lightly trafficked out and back trail is 7.1 miles one way, strolling past glaciers, waterfalls and gorgeous Alaskan vistas. The trails run along the glacial lake, thick spruce forests, glaciers, and waterfalls. Try the Trail of Blue Ice any time of year for an excellent day walk in the wilderness on an easy, smooth path.

The lovely Trail of Blue Ice runs along the floor of the Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest. It is one of the newer trails in the park and known for the striking beauty of the area, easily accessed by a smooth gravel path.

The trial begins 49 miles south of Anchorage, just off the Seward Highway via the Portage Glacier Road. Start at the Begich-Boggs Visitors Center to learn all about the area before you begin your hike.

The trial is wide, smooth and paved most of the way. You can bring a stroller, wheelchair or ride your bicycle. The valley tends to be cool and rainy, so dress accordingly.

This is one of the most popular waterfall trails in Alaska, and with views this breathtaking it's easy to see why. You can bring your dog on this trail, but you must keep them on the leash.

This trail is best used May to September for hiking, and can be traversed by snowshoe or cross-country skied the rest of the year. You can also bring your kayak or pack raft and take a paddle on the glacier lake.

There is very little elevation gain with the exception of a 700' area at the end of the lake where the trail climbs about 30 feet via a small section of stairs. There is another route that follows along the road to avoid the stairs.

You can access the Trail of Blue Ice in Alaska from the Moose Flats Day Use Area, Explorer Glacier Pullout, Five Fingers Hike-in Camping Area, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, or the lakefront parking lot at the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center.

Explore the whole trail system for more adventures!

The Trail of Blue Ice is clearly named after the deep, bright blue of the glacial ice. The trail heads past Portage Glacier and the lake formed by the run-off. In Spring and summer, waterfalls abound from the melting ice.

The trail is beautiful and serene in the winter, alive with wildlife in the summer, and always strikingly beautiful.

Head down the Trail of Blue Ice for a lovely day out in the wild. Any time of year, you'll love this wild and scenic trail in Alaska.

With views like this, it's no wonder why it's one of the best waterfall hikes in Alaska. Plan your adventure today!

On your way, stop by this Conservation Center to see some of the most incredible wildlife including bears, elk, and moose.

Have you been on the Trail of Blue Ice in Alaska? Tell us about it in the comments below.