13 Majestic Waterfalls You Must Visit This Summer in Alaska

Waterfalls In Alaska Are Spellbinding

Waterfalls are these majestic cascade bodies of water that make up a scenic view for the eyes to witness and be comforted beautifully. And Alaska has some of the most unique and outworldly gorgeous waterfalls in its treasures of wild beauty.

Alaska is one of the coldest states in the U.S., so if you want to check out some relaxing and serene waterfalls, it’s the place, and summer is the right time.

The temperature is perfect, and the views are lush —it’s picturesque. So, to make it easy for you, we’ve got some of the must-see waterfalls you should visit in Alaska.

Nugget Falls

The most famous waterfall in Alaska is Nugget Falls in Juneau. The name might remind you of feasting on delicious nuggets, but this waterfall isn’t less than a feast for the eyes.

Plunging 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake, this two-tier fall is between the mountains and is powered by the Mendenhall Glacier. It’s a two-mile out-and-back trail hike to reach the falls.

The splashing waters gushing make a perfect spot to enjoy with loved ones.

Bridal Veil Falls

Well, this one, on the other hand, is almost double the size of the previous one. Standing 600 feet tall in the Key Canyon in Skagway is the Bridal Veil Falls. Given its massive size, it is also the tallest roadside waterfall attraction.

You can view a portion of this waterfall as it flows along the Klondike Highway. Another way that you can also view this is through the rugged White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Just imagine passing by this wonderful waterfall as you’re on your way.

Thunderbird Falls

This waterfall is accessible all year, which makes it super fun and exciting because you can go and get misted anytime. Thunderbird Falls is just 30 minutes from Anchorage and a one-mile hike away from the birch forests.

It’s a short 200-foot waterfall that cascades effortlessly into the Eklutna River. Many nature lovers check out this waterfall and enjoy getting sprayed as the water crashes down.

Winner Creek Falls

If you want to check out another falls near Anchorage, just 45 minutes away and towards Girchwoods, you must explore Winner Creek Falls. But be ready, as this one is more of a pick-your-own adventure.

You can go with either a shorter or a longer route. You’ll hike for nine miles on an out-and-back trail that’ll immerse you in alpine Alaskan wildlife on a longer route. You can also hike on the Winner Creek trail for three miles, a combination of a boardwalk and a dirt road.

This way, you’ll cross the wooden bridge and witness the falls joining the river.

Ketchikan Creek Falls

Don’t worry if you aren’t planning to visit Seward, as there’s another waterfall where you can see salmon. In the most scenic Ketchikan, Ketchikan Creek Falls are surrounded by a rugged landscape and splashing waters.

The Tlingit Native fished here and then settled down in this area. You can check out these falls by going along the Married Man’s Trail and enjoying the Salmon Ladder, where these silver fishes are upstreaming.

Lower Reid Waterfalls

Prepare yourself to indulge in the most stunning waterfalls without too much of a hike! In Skagway off the Klondike Highway is Lower Redi Waterfalls, honoring the name of Frank Reid, who was a brave American soldier.

In the late 1800s, he killed a famous gangster in the area so, these mindblowing falls were named after him. A quick 10-minute hike from the Golden Rush Cemetery would take you to these painting-like cascading falls.

Lunch Falls

Trust me when I say this, but this is a hidden gem. Go and uncover the wild beauty of Lunch Falls just near Ketchikan. The loop trail is a mix of dirt and boardwalk but with some of the most breathtaking flora and fauna that’ll leave you in awe.

Along the trail, you’ll find red cedar moss, old-growth Sitka spruce, and hemlock trees. Once you reach the falls, immerse in the paradise of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls—just the best example of nothing less than nature’s work of art.

Pitchfork Falls

Do you know Alaska is blessed to have the world’s tallest waterfall instore? Yes, the infamous falls are Pitchfork Falls in Skagway. These are so humongous that you can see them from a flightseeing tour over Yukon Highway.

It has a 2000-feet drop and thus also serves as a hydroelectric power for Skagway. Also, these impressive falls tumble down the canyon with a stream that joins it from the Goat Lake.

Sounds like a dream waterfall, right?

Liberty Falls

Okay, now this one that has made it to the list has a recreation site with a campground and bathrooms. So you can even camp here and have a full picnic. Amazing!

Just outside of Chitina, close to Edgerton Highway, is the beauty named Liberty Falls. The powerful water rumbling down 20 feet gushing and has a calming sound makes it a serene spot to have some chilled-out time with your loved ones.

South Forks Falls

Moving forward with our list, another photogenic and stunning waterfall in Alaska is South Forks Falls also called Barbara Falls. These white foaming waterfalls are in Eagle River with just a short and easy 2.1-mile hike.

During spring, you’ll see the water high and roaring much louder. These majestic waterfalls, surrounded by thick green wildlife, make it very popular among hikers and travelers.

So why should you not explore them?

Brooks Falls

Like watching the brown bears catching fish, but the above one isn’t on your itinerary? Then you should visit Brooks Falls, in the Katmai National Park.

These falls are just less than 2 miles away from Brooks River. In the summertime, large groups of brown bears gather here to catch upwards of swimming salmon.

People have seen up to 25 brown bears at a time. What a wonderful sight indeed.

Russian River Falls

Do you like salmon? Then, you need to go and explore the Russian River Falls, just 60 minutes away from Seward.

These falls have a reputation among tourists and locals alike. Sightseers and excursionists come here during summertime as the falls gush into the steep rocks embedded in the river.

And here, you’ll watch actual salmon swimming against the Russian river currents and black or brown bears catching the fish.

Virgin Creek Falls

The last one on our list is Virgin Creek Falls, nestled just 45 minutes away from Anchorage. This cascading fall environment is draped with pine trees, and the floor is covered with moss.

But the best part is that these falls are powered by melting glaciers so you can imagine this copybook scene of powerful waterfalls in summer. You can either take the trail of the Max Mountains or take a quick short hike on the well-marked trail near the river.

Essential Tips For Visiting Alaskan Waterfalls

Before you hurry and book your next flight or plan your road trip to Alaska to see these amazing waterfalls, remember to plan ahead to ensure their accessibility and trail conditions.

Also, don’t forget to have plenty of layers and even a raincoat, as the mist can instantly make your clothes wet. Most importantly, carry bear spray along with you so you face no problems.

Beautiful Waterfalls Are Just An Alaskan Thing

Uptil now, you must have realized that Alaska is filled with waterfalls that are nothing less than spectacular to look at.

Gushing white waters, roaring plunging sounds, framed wildlife, sometimes brown bears, salmons upstreaming and feeding the bears, and the serendipity of its overall vibe is magnificent.

So, if you haven’t gone to any of the Alaskan waterfalls, pick one from the best and enjoy your small getaway.