5 Best Waterfall Hiking Locations in Alaska (2026 Updated)
These 5 Alaska waterfalls are reached on foot and rated highly by the people who hiked them, led by Nugget Falls, Brooks Falls, and Reid Falls. The list spans the Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage, Southwest Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, and Prince William Sound and Southcentral.
How We Picked
We started with the 5 publicly accessible Alaska waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Nugget Falls
Juneau, AK · Juneau City and County · Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage
Why hike it
On the trail: "Destination for scenic walks & hikes with views of a large waterfall & adjacent glacier." It is rated 4.9 stars by 198 Google reviewers. It is one of 24 named falls in the Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage region. The nearest town is Juneau, about 9.6 miles to the southeast.
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2. Brooks Falls
Dillingham, AK · Lake and Peninsula County · Southwest Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula
Why hike it
It is rated 4.8 stars by 21 Google reviewers. It is one of 10 named falls in the Southwest Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula region. The nearest town is Dillingham, about 101 miles to the west.
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3. Reid Falls
Haines, AK · Skagway County · Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage
Why hike it
On the trail: "Day-hiking locale with a moderate forest trail leading to a cascading waterfall." Reviewers describe the hike with words like "short walk" and "easy hike", so it suits most hikers. It is rated 4.8 stars by 25 Google reviewers. Twin Dewey Peaks, a summit 1.8 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 24 named falls in the Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage region. The nearest town is Haines, about 18 miles to the south.
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4. Horsetail Falls
Valdez, AK · Chugach County · Prince William Sound and Southcentral
Why hike it
On the trail: "Hiking trails through a lush spruce forest lead to this scenic waterfall with an observation area." Reviewers describe the hike with words like "easy access", so it suits most hikers. It is rated 4.8 stars by 36 Google reviewers. 2 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Bridal Veil Falls and Rudleston Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 14 named falls in the Prince William Sound and Southcentral region. The nearest town is Valdez, about 15 miles to the west.
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5. Thunder Bird Falls
Knik-Fairview, AK · Anchorage County · Prince William Sound and Southcentral
Why hike it
It is rated 4.6 stars by 26 Google reviewers. It is one of 14 named falls in the Prince William Sound and Southcentral region. The nearest town is Knik-Fairview, about 9.4 miles to the northwest.
When to Visit Alaska's Waterfalls
Alaska's waterfall season is short and runs roughly from late May into September. Snowmelt drives the strongest flows from late May through June in Southcentral and the Interior, while glacier-fed streams keep running hard through July and August as summer heat melts ice. In Southeast Alaska, rain matters as much as melt: the wettest stretch typically arrives in autumn, so September and October can produce surging falls along with low cloud and short days. Brooks Falls draws visitors in July, when sockeye runs peak, and again in September. Winter brings deep snow, avalanche danger on steep approaches and many frozen falls, though some roadside cascades become ice climbing objectives. Cruise-ship days concentrate crowds at Juneau and Skagway trailheads in midsummer.
Before You Go
Most of Alaska's named falls lie on public land managed by the Tongass and Chugach national forests, the National Park Service, state parks such as Chugach State Park, or the Bureau of Land Management, with some on Native corporation land where permission may be needed. Only a minority are on the road system; elsewhere, access depends on ferries, floatplanes or boats, and weather delays are routine. Bears are present across the state, so carrying bear spray and making noise on brushy trails is standard practice. Glacial meltwater is dangerously cold and silty, which hides depth and footing, and rivers rise quickly on warm afternoons. Near glaciers, ice calving and rockfall make approaching the base of a fall unwise. Rain gear and layers are essential even in July.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. Hiking with children? Read waterfall hikes with kids.
Explore More Alaska Waterfalls
See all 48 waterfalls in the Alaska waterfall guide, or browse by town: Juneau, Dillingham, Haines, Valdez, Knik-Fairview.
More Alaska Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking waterfall in Alaska?
Nugget Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 198 Google reviews. It is near Juneau in Juneau City and County.
How was this list made?
We started with the 5 publicly accessible Alaska waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager.
How many waterfalls are in Alaska?
Our directory lists 48 named waterfalls in Alaska. See them all, sorted by town, in the Alaska waterfall guide.
Which Alaska waterfall is easiest to visit?
Nugget Falls near the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is the most reviewed fall in our directory and is reached by a well-used walk from the visitor area. In Southcentral, the roadside falls of Keystone Canyon near Valdez and Thunder Bird Falls near Anchorage are also accessible without a plane or boat.