8 Must-Visit Alaska Waterfalls

Alaska’s natural beauty is famous, offering untouched landscapes that dazzle with glittering glaciers, pine-studded wilderness and plummeting waterfalls. As a Pacific Northwest local, I grew up hearing nothing but praise for these stunning wonders. The rush of the cascading glacier melt and mountain springs is the soundtrack for these blankets of forests that stretch across the region. For many tourists, these waterfalls are the highlights of their trips and among the best reasons to visit Alaska. My partners’ mom and stepdad, for instance, recently got back from their own Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise, and despite not being huge outdoors people, couldn’t praise these sites enough. Clearly, even the biggest indoors people are brought to near tears over the beauty of Alaska’s waterfalls.

There are close to 50 named waterfalls in Alaska. And no matter when you visit the Last Frontier, they’re magical. In the summer, they’ll be more accessible and perhaps refreshing, as, despite being very northern, hikes in the area can get pretty hot. During the rest of the year, visitors can expect sparkly, ice-coated falls that look straight out of a Disney movie — believe me, they’re worth the winter trek. If you’re planning a vacation to Alaska, Royal Caribbean cruises are the best way to go if you want to get up close to the best waterfalls. Thanks to diverse routes and trip lengths, you’ll have access to the most beautiful and tallest waterfalls in Alaska. Before you go, though, let’s dig into eight must-visit Alaska waterfalls so you know what to look out for:

1. Nugget Falls

Cascading down the mountainside into Mendenhall Lake, a strikingly aquamarine body of water speckled with icebergs, Nugget Falls is considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in Alaska. The juxtaposition of the rugged landscape and neon lake, all accented by the froth of the falls, is unforgettable. Travelers can enjoy beach access, family-friendly hiking trails, exhibits at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and rainforest lushness.

Fed by the Mendenhall and Nugget glaciers’ meltwater, Nugget Falls has two tiers that measure an impressive 99 feet and 278 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Alaska. Unfortunately, the glaciers that feed these massive layers are receding due to climate change, so this is a fleeting beauty worth fitting in on your next Alaska cruise.

Here’s what else you need to know about Nugget Falls:   

● How to view: Walk the 2-mile round-trip trail from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

● Accessibility: B.

● Waterfall size: 377 feet.

● Closest city: Juneau.

● Tip: Look for salmon and bald eagles.

2. Thunderbird Falls

Located within beautiful Chugach State Park, Thunderbird Falls can be reached via a lovely hike. The namesake trail involves a 100-foot steep climb at first, but after that initial rise, it does even out. In the summer, this is a breeze if you even like nature walks, let alone mountain hikes. But, if you don’t mind lessened accessibility, Thunderbird Falls is unforgettable in the winter as well, freezing in bright blue pillars. Regardless of when you come, you’re in for a scenic treat, which might be why it’s perhaps the most visited waterfall in the state.

Here’s what else you need to know about Thunderbird Falls:

● How to view: Take a one-mile forest trail near the Eklutna River. A viewing deck is available halfway along the trail.

● Accessibility: C.

● Waterfall size: 200 feet.

● Closest city: Anchorage.

● Tip: Grab a state park pass before you go or make sure to bring $5.

3. Brooks Falls

Brooks Falls isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls in Alaska, but it’s famous for its resident brown bears. During salmon migration season, over 25 bears often fish here at a time, making the falls a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and anyone looking for some Alaskan culture immersion — salmon fishing is a way of life here in the Pacific Northwest. Travelers can safely see the brown bears on the viewing platform, which has two tiers and can hold up to 40 people.

Just keep in mind that during the summer, when Brooks Falls sees the most tourists, expanded tripods and rail-mounted fixtures are banned. The wait during this season can exceed 1.5 hours during peak times, so if you’re traveling with kids, just make sure you plan accordingly. If you’re unsure about crowds, seasonal wildlife or anything else about the falls, the Brooks Camp Visitor Center is super handy.

Here’s what else you need to know about Brooks Falls:

● How to view: Hike the unpaved 0.6-mile Brooks Falls Trail to the Brooks Falls and Riffles Platform.

● Accessibility: D.

● Waterfall size: 6 feet.

● Closest city: Anchorage.

● Tip: Bring bear spray.

4. Barbara Falls

Also known as South Fork Falls, Barbara Falls is another spot that calls Chugach State Park home. It’s one of the lesser-visited falls, but it’s super photogenic thanks to its location in a gorge. As someone who goes outside to avoid crowds and values authentic sites over tourist traps, I’d recommend Barbara Falls to anyone planning a vacation to Alaska. It’s part of the South Fork of Eagle, so the trails to get there are part of the beautiful Eagle River Greenbelt system. If you’re looking for a pretty accessible hike that won’t take you all day, which is key for cruisers, this is it.

Here’s what else you need to know about Barbara Falls:

● How to view: Hike the unpaved 1.3-mile South Fork Falls Trailhead, or view from the overhead platform across the South Fork Eagle River bridge and on the left.

● Accessibility: B.

● Waterfall size: 25 feet.

● Closest city: Anchorage.

● Tip: Park in the designated parking area at the bottom of Ken Logan Circle and stay on the trail to avoid straying into private property.

5. Virgin Creek Falls

Situated in Girdwood, this Alaskan waterfall shares the mountain with Alyeska Ski Resort. Virgin Creek Falls is accessible year-round, but it's easier to get to in the summer, so it’s a lovely destination for those taking Alaskan cruises. In the winter, its icy cascades are gorgeous and worth the trek if you’re a winter hiker. The way there is so lush and beautiful, dressed in massive ferns, moss, spruce trees and other signatures of Alaska’s natural beauty and that of my beloved Pacific Northwest. Visitors can pick from the Lower or Upper Virgin Creek trails. The Upper is longer, and goes up Max’s Mountain and past the falls, so only choose this route if you have the time and are a more savvy hiker.

 Here’s what else you need to know about Virgin Creek Falls:

● How to view: Take the kid-friendly ½ mile round-trip Lower Virgin Creek Falls trail or hike the whole mountain by continuing past the falls via the Upper Virgin Creek Trail. The Lower trailhead is located at the end of Timberline Drive, and you can park on the street.

● Accessibility: B.

● Waterfall size: 15 feet.

● Closest city: Anchorage.

● Tip: Bring a rain jacket.

6. Bridal Veil Falls

One of the tallest waterfalls in Alaska, 600-foot Bridal Veil Falls is a gem of the three-mile-long Keystone Canyon near Valdez. Visible from the Richardson Highway on the eastern side, it’s just one of many snow-fed waterfalls that slip down the sides of the canyon. Bridal Veil Falls, named after the veil-like way it cascades off the cliffs, is fed by the Lowe River, which is fed by its namesake glacier. It can be hiked to from the road using what was once part of the Trans-Alaska Military Packtrain Trail. This was the Gold Rush’s first ice-free route from the hub of Valdez to the wild interior.

 Here’s what else you need to know about Bridal Veil Falls:

● How to view: Use the pull-off at Mile 13.9 along the Richardson Highway to view from the road or hike to it from there using the two-mile-long Valdez Goat Trail.

● Accessibility: A.

● Waterfall size: 600 feet.

● Closest city: Valdez.

● Tip: The water is clean enough to drink, so bring a bottle and fill up.

7. Liberty Falls

Surging out of the bedrock into Liberty Creek, Liberty Falls is an ultra-powerful waterfall thanks to the pressure. With walls of sharp pines on either side, this waterfall is unbelievably photogenic and, in my opinion, among the most underrated Alaska waterfalls. It also might just be the most accessible, as you can see it from the parking lot along the Edgerton Highway if you don’t care about getting closer. Located near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, there’s also an on-site campground if you’re looking for more Alaskan fun.

Here’s what else you need to know about Liberty Falls:

● How to view: Head to Liberty Falls State Recreation Site and view it from the parking lot and bridge.

● Accessibility: A.

● Waterfall size: 20 feet.

● Closest city: Valdez.

● Tip: There are short hikes from the parking lot, but watch out for dangerous cliffs.

8. Northland Glacier Falls

 Northland Glacier Falls is very popular, sitting in the boat-peppered Prince William Sound. Situated on the northwest side of Blackstone Glacier, it’s considered to be among the most photogenic waterfalls in the world. However, it’s not easy to get to, as you’ll need a boat to get up close. Visitors can book a shipside tour if they’d like a guide, or rent a boat themselves if they want a more intimate experience.

As an avid kayaker myself, I recommend borrowing a kayak to see the waterfall for a true Alaska bucket list moment. Kayaking is perhaps the favorite mode of transportation up here in the Pacific Northwest, so it doesn’t get more authentic. Otherwise, it’s just more fun.

Here’s what else you need to know about Northland Glacier Falls:

● How to view: Pick between a marine tour, private boat or kayak, and sail from Whittier to the northwest side of Blackstone Glacier.

● Accessibility: C.

● Waterfall size: 500 feet.

● Closest city: Whittier.

● Resource: Virtual Globe Trotting

● Tip: If you’re kayaking, do not go below the falling water. Stay a few hundred yards back to avoid getting hit by hunks of glacier ice.

“Fall” in Love With Alaska’s Natural Wonders