Thunderbird Falls
Eklutna, AK
A waterfall in a forested gorge reached by a trail of about a mile each way from a parking lot off the Glenn Highway near Eklutna. The easy path makes it a good first stop out of Anchorage.
Thunderbird Falls is a waterfall of about 200 feet (60 m) in Chugach State Park near Eklutna, roughly a 30-minute drive from Anchorage. According to Alaska DNR the trail is one mile (about 1.6 km) each way and rated easy: it climbs steeply for the first stretch, gaining about 100 to 175 feet depending on the source, then levels out through the forest. Alaska.org calls it one of the most popular first hikes for families with small children. Sources differ on the height of the falls; Wikipedia gives about 100 feet, every other source we read says 200.
There are two route options: an easier one to a viewing platform near the top and a harder one that leads closer to the base. In winter the water freezes and looks blue.
The trailhead is on the Old Glenn Highway (address 25321 Old Glenn Hwy, Chugiak), just north of Eagle River. Alaska.org lists a 5-dollar parking fee or a state parks pass (as of the source, check ahead). Dogs must be leashed in the parking area and under control on the trail.
- Nearest town
- Eklutna, AK
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 61.4480, -149.3690
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
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FAQs
Where is Thunderbird Falls?
Thunderbird Falls is in Eklutna, AK, at GPS 61.4480, -149.3690. It is about 13 mi from Palmer.
Which road trips pass Thunderbird Falls?
Thunderbird Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Glenn Highway and Hatcher Pass.
What is there to see near Thunderbird Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Eklutna Lake (8 mi), Alaska Native Heritage Center (19 mi), Anchorage Museum (23 mi) and Independence Mine State Historical Park (24 mi).
When is the best time to visit Thunderbird Falls?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)