About Alaska Chief Falls
Alaska Chief Falls is a named waterfall in Juneau County, Alaska, located about 2.9 miles east of Juneau. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Juneau B-2 SE 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 58°18′18″ N, 134°20′24″ W (58.30500, -134.34000). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Ice Creek (stream, 0.1 mi), Groundhog Creek (historical) (stream, 0.1 mi), and Icy Gulch (valley, 0.2 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ebner Falls, 1.4 miles to the west.
USGS gazetteer description: on Icy Gulch, 2.5 mi. E of Juneau, Coast Mts. ESE from S end of Kodiak I. to S end of Dall I. in Alex. Arch.
Name history: Name derived from the Alaska Chief lode claim staked there by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in 1880. Juneau and Harris called the canoe, in which they came from Sitka, the Alaska Chief (DeArmond 1957, p. 5).
Weather at Alaska Chief Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Alaska Chief Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Anchorage time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Alaska Chief Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Alaska Chief Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Ice Creek — stream, 0.1 mi
- Groundhog Creek (historical) — stream, 0.1 mi
- Icy Gulch — valley, 0.2 mi
- Nugget Gulch — valley, 0.2 mi
- Quartz Gulch (historical) — valley, 0.3 mi
- Dix Gulch — valley, 0.3 mi
- Lurvey Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Silverbow Basin — basin, 0.4 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 58.30500, -134.34000. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Alaska Chief Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Alaska Chief Falls located?
Alaska Chief Falls is in Juneau County, Alaska, about 2.9 miles east of Juneau. Its coordinates are 58.30500, -134.34000 (58°18′18″ N, 134°20′24″ W).
What town is closest to Alaska Chief Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Juneau, AK, about 2.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Alaska Chief Falls?
The closest is Ebner Falls (1.4 mi west). Others within reach include Suicide Falls (2.1 mi), Lost Rocker Falls (2.8 mi), and Grindstone Falls (6.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Alaska Chief Falls?
Alaska Chief Falls appears on the USGS Juneau B-2 SE 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.