When you want to truly appreciate Alaska’s wild, unrivaled beauty, pick a hiking trail. You’ll quickly be surrounded by the most incredible scenery in the country. Here’s a quick, easy hike that takes you to a 200-foot-tall waterfall.
Thunderbird Falls is located in Chugach State Park, right off the Glenn Highway.
Google For the interactive map and driving directions, Click here.
You’ll find the trailhead in between the Eklutna and Mirror Lake exits.
ggbrenna/Tripadvisor
This trail is perfect for almost every hiker - it’s level and well-maintained.
ggbrenna/Tripadvisor This popular trail is surrounded by spectacular scenery from the trailhead all the way to the falls.
In some places, boardwalk makes the trail even more accessible.
Felipe M/Tripadvisor The entire hike is 1.8 miles, out and back. It gains just 175 feet in elevation.
Along the way, you’ll see plenty of thick, lush greenery and plant life.
dietguru00/Tripadvisor
Take your time as you meander down the path - you’ll be surrounded by incredible beauty both above you and at your feet.
Amanda M/Tripadvisor
The trail provides views of the Eklutna River. Keep an eye out for sockeye salmon - you can often see them swimming in the river here.
David B/Tripadvisor
Much of the trail follows along a steep cliff. You’ll see birch trees growing right out of the cliffside in places.
Ingrid D/Tripadvisor
Stay back from the edge of the cliff…it’s a long way down!
ggbrenna/Tripadvisor This is a popular hike for children. Make sure to keep an eye on your little ones if you’re bringing them along.
Thunderbird Falls is a stunning waterfall with a 200-foot drop.
TimeToTravel2468/Tripadvisor
The thundering water crashing into the river below gives this waterfall its name, and it’s truly a spectacular sight.
psithurism/Tripadvisor
This hike is also accessible during winter months, and it turns into a winter wonderland when the trees are adorned with ice and snow.
Kristi Spencer/Alltrails
Thunderbird Falls is even more beautiful when it’s frozen!
Kristi Spencer/Alltrails The hike to Thunderbird Falls is popular, and you’ll likely encounter other hikers along this trail, but during winter months it provides a little more solitude.
Have you hiked the Thunderbird Falls Trail? We’d love to hear about your experience!
For the interactive map and driving directions, Click here.
ggbrenna/Tripadvisor
This popular trail is surrounded by spectacular scenery from the trailhead all the way to the falls.
Felipe M/Tripadvisor
The entire hike is 1.8 miles, out and back. It gains just 175 feet in elevation.
dietguru00/Tripadvisor
Amanda M/Tripadvisor
David B/Tripadvisor
Ingrid D/Tripadvisor
This is a popular hike for children. Make sure to keep an eye on your little ones if you’re bringing them along.
TimeToTravel2468/Tripadvisor
psithurism/Tripadvisor
Kristi Spencer/Alltrails
The hike to Thunderbird Falls is popular, and you’ll likely encounter other hikers along this trail, but during winter months it provides a little more solitude.
If you’re ready to explore more of Alaska’s beauty, take this hike that leads to an abandoned mine.
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