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Alaska, famous for its immense wilderness and stunning scenery, is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Alaska Waterfalls are among the most spectacular in the world, each surrounded by pristine forests, towering mountains, and glacial rivers. Alaska’s waterfalls provide a variety of experiences, from accessible hikes to inaccessible locations, making them must-see destinations for travellers. Exploring Alaska’s waterfalls allows visitors to experience the state’s pristine natural beauty, which makes it unique.
Top 10 Waterfalls In Alaska
Explore the most beautiful Alaska waterfalls, from widely accessible paths to inaccessible wilderness jewels, each providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
1. Brooks Falls
Photo: Katmai National Park and Preserve / Wikimedia Commons
The world-famous bear-watching spot Brooks Falls, in Katmai National Park and Preserve, is in demand during the yearly salmon flows in July. The waterfall crosses the Brooks River, where fish rush upstream, drawing brown bears that assemble to feed. Visitors may see this magnificent natural phenomenon from elevated platforms, providing safe and intimate views of the bears. Brooks Falls, nestled in Alaska’s pristine wilderness, provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to watch predator-prey interactions in a stunning environment, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.
Things To Do: Bear watching, salmon viewing, photography.
Entry Fee: Free (National Park entry fee may apply).
How To Reach: Fly to King Salmon, then take a floatplane to Brooks Camp.
2. Bridal Veil Falls
Photo: David Dugan / Wikimedia Commons
Bridal Veil Falls, located in Keystone Canyon in Valdez, Alaska, is a breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall that cascades down spectacular, steep granite cliffs. The lovely waterfall resembles a delicate wedding veil, with misty water cascading softly over mossy rocks. The falls, easily visible from the Richardson Highway, are awe-inspiring in the summer when surrounded by lush flora, making them a favourite destination for photographers and travellers alike.
Things To Do: Photography, sightseeing.
Entry Fee: Free.
How To Reach: Accessible via Richardson Highway, 12 miles from Valdez.
3. Horsetail Falls
Photo: PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ / Wikimedia Commons
Horsetail Falls, located in Keystone Canyon in Valdez, Alaska, is a stunning waterfall famed for its delicate, ribbon-like flow down steep rocks. Horsetail Falls, located near Bridal Veil Falls, adds to the canyon’s breathtaking vistas and dramatic beauty. This elegant waterfall is easily accessible from the Richardson Highway, making it a favourite destination for tourists and photographers. Horsetail Falls is surrounded by brilliant green flora in the spring and summer, yet it can partially freeze in the winter, producing a stunning winter landscape.
Things To Do: Photography, sightseeing
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: Located along the Richardson Highway, near Valdez
4. Nugget Falls
Photo: gillfoto / Wikimedia Commons
Nugget Falls, also known as Nugget Creek Falls, is a spectacular waterfall near Juneau, Alaska, on the edge of Mendenhall Glacier. It cascades over 370 feet in two stages into Mendenhall Lake, creating a tremendous display against a breathtaking background of the glacier. The falls are easily accessible via a short route from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre, making them a popular tourist destination. In the summer, the area near Nugget Falls is lush and lively, providing stunning vistas and picture-perfect moments.
Things To Do: Hiking, photography, glacier viewing
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: Short trail from Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Juneau
5. Thunderbird Falls
Photo: Frank K / Wikimedia Commons
Thunderbird Falls, located just north of Anchorage, Alaska, is a beautiful 200-foot waterfall tucked in a thick forest along the Eklutna River. Thunderbird Falls is a popular and easily accessible attraction with a short, family-friendly hiking route winding through birch and spruce forests. The route contains observation platforms providing safe and stunning views of the waterfall, particularly during the lively summer and colourful autumn seasons. This popular waterfall in Alaska may partially freeze in the winter, resulting in a spectacular frozen spectacle.
Things To Do: Hiking, photography, nature walks
Entry Fee: Free.
How To Reach: 20-minute drive from Anchorage, followed by a short trail hike
6. Russian River Falls
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
On Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula near Cooper Landing, Russian River Falls is a favourite place to watch the yearly salmon flow and witness animals, notably brown and black bears. A modest, picturesque walk through thick woodland brings tourists to the falls, where transparent viewing platforms provide close-up views of salmon jumping upstream to their breeding grounds, a unique natural phenomenon. Surrounded by beautiful wilderness, Russian River Falls offers an immersive experience in Alaska’s natural splendour, including fishing, wildlife photography, and hiking.
Things To Do: Salmon viewing, bear watching, fishing
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: 2-hour drive from Anchorage to Cooper Landing, then hike
7. Eklutna Falls
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Eklutna Falls, located in Eklutna Lake outside Anchorage, Alaska, is a hidden gem that provides a quiet retreat into nature. This famous waterfall in Alaska is located in the picturesque Chugach State Park and can be reached via a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Eklutna Lakeside Trail. Eklutna Falls cascades down stony cliffs and runs most violently during the spring and early summer when snowmelt fills the streams. The surrounding scenery, with its deep forest and clear alpine lake, provides a magnificent backdrop ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Things To Do: Hiking, photography, nature walks
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: 45-minute drive from Anchorage, then hike on Eklutna Lakeside Trail
8. Upper Dewey Lake Falls
Photo: Diego Madrigal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Upper Dewey Lake Falls, in Skagway, Alaska, is a stunning cascade surrounded by a rough mountain landscape. Hikers who brave the challenging Dewey Lake Trail will be rewarded with beautiful vistas of cascading water falling down the high rocks. The falls cascading from Upper Dewey Lake provide a quiet yet spectacular spectacle, particularly during the spring melt when water flow is at its height. The climb to the falls provides stunning views of the surrounding environment, making it a popular destination for daring hikers and photographers.
Things To Do: Hiking, photography, wilderness exploration
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: 2 – 3 hour hike from Skagway
9. Virgin Creek Falls
Photo: Ray Bilcliff / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Virgin Creek Falls, located in Girdwood, Alaska, is a beautiful waterfall in a lush temperate rainforest. A short stroll along the Virgin Creek Trail brings tourists to this hidden gem, where water cascades over moss-covered rocks, creating a serene and mesmerising landscape. The surrounding forest, full of brilliant greens and towering trees, adds to the fall’s allure, especially in the spring and summer when the region is most colourful. Virgin Creek Falls is ideal for people wanting a calm vacation and the opportunity to immerse themselves in Alaska’s natural beauty.
Things To Do: Hiking, photography, nature walks
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: Short hike from Girdwood
10. Blackstone Falls
Photo: FUTURE KIIID / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Blackstone Falls, located in Prince William Sound, Alaska, is a stunning waterfall frequently viewed on glacier cruises. This magnificent waterfall rushes down cliffs, fed by water from the melting glaciers above, making for an awe-inspiring spectacle. Blackstone Falls, primarily accessible by boat, is set against a spectacular landscape of glaciers, fjords, and lush woods. This popular waterfall in Alaska is more stunning in the summer, when the ice and snow melt, increasing the volume of water.
Things To Do: Glacier viewing, photography, boat tours
Entry Fee: Free
How To Reach: Accessible by boat from Whittier or Valdez
Alaska waterfalls provide a breathtaking display of natural beauty, ranging from forceful cascades to calm, hidden jewels. These waterfalls should not be missed, regardless of your interests—wildlife lovers, photographers, or those looking for peace. Plan your trip to Alaska and witness the stunning scenery firsthand. Book with TripXL today for the most incredible travel bargains and easy booking, and start arranging your spectacular Alaskan waterfall adventure.
Cover Photo: fred 9527 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
