Waterfalls are arguably the most spectacular natural feature you can hike to in Alaska. With annual temperature extremes and extensive melting in the mountains, the cold, clear water rushes towards the sea and occasionally finds a cliff to plummet down in a dramatic fashion. Thunder Bird Falls is one of the most amazing waterfalls in Alaska, and the hike is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Check out this short trail that leads to a thundering waterfall in Alaska.
Thunder Bird Falls 25321 Old Glenn Highway Chugiak, AK 99567
Interactive Map Here
Thunder Bird Falls is an excellent day trip from Anchorage, just a 25 minute drive north on the highway. It’s an easy one-mile out and back hike that is great for all ages and levels of fitness.
TravelingOtter | Flickr
Located directly off the Old Glenn Highway, the trail head is very easy to find. It lies between the Eklutna and Mirror Lake exits. There is a $5 fee, collected on the honor system, for use of the park.
Patrick | Flickr
The trail is popular and well-trafficked, complete with handrails, boardwalks and viewing areas. This can sometimes make it crowded, so stick to weekdays and early hours if you want to avoid the rush.
TravelingOtter | Flickr Please Note: Stay on the marked trail as the Eklutna River can be volatile and the banks dangerous.
The aspen and towering Alaskan paper birch trees line the path and make for an enchanting wilderness experience. The Chugiak area has amazing views of the Chugach Mountains.
Melissa G | TripAdvisor
Bring the whole family, even the dog as long as they stay on a leash. Make sure to bring the bug spray as this trail is known for tending to have a lot of mosquitos.
Sojournwithme | TripAdvisor
Once you get closer to the falls, the trail splits in two directions, the Creekside is more strenuous and a bit more daring.
Ellamay66 | Flickr
Stay on the wide, dirt path and travel straight ahead to a viewing platform. A fabulous view of the 200 foot falls is available to everyone on this level and smooth trail.
Felipe M | TripAdvisor
The Creekside path leads down to the shore of the Eklutna River and up to the waterfall. You can feel the spray and get an up close view of the thundering falls.
Megan | Flickr
From the beginning to the end, the scenery is fantastic. In midsummer, wildflowers grace the path and the falls are stunning.
Gregg Kimbell | AllTrails.com
Thunder Bird Falls is a lovely hike and a great stop on any road trip north of Anchorage. This easy trail to the consistently gorgeous waterfall is a shining star of the scenery in Alaska.
Kim F | Flickr
More information about Thunderbird Falls here.
TravelingOtter | Flickr
Patrick | Flickr
Please Note: Stay on the marked trail as the Eklutna River can be volatile and the banks dangerous.
Melissa G | TripAdvisor
Sojournwithme | TripAdvisor
Ellamay66 | Flickr
Felipe M | TripAdvisor
Megan | Flickr
Gregg Kimbell | AllTrails.com
Kim F | Flickr
If you like this waterfall hike, you might be into 8 Gorgeous Alaska Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required or possibly The Ultimate Alaska Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here – And You’ll Want To Do It.
Have you been to Thunderbird Falls? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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