Hike to Virgin Falls

Anchorage, Alaska

Description

Distance: 0.4 miles roundtripElevation gain: 300 ftScenic 15-foot waterfallSecluded but easy accessLots of trails to explore nearbyCold glacier water

This waterfall was unreal to see in person and very easy to reach.

Located in Girdwood, the short trail to the falls begins at the end of Timberline Dr, located in a friendly neighborhood. The trail is well marked and easy to find, but gets very icy and slippery during the winter.

Continue on the path and you will very quickly run into the beautiful 15-foot waterfall, surrounded by trees. There are trails all around the area leading behind and in front of the river leading to the falls.

The water itself is melted snow and is nearly freezing. It's safe (but rocky) to wade through – be warned, though, that you will be extremely cold afterwards.

Anybody visiting Anchorage should stop by this hidden gem.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Hike to Virgin Falls Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Winner Creek Gorge

Most people will start this trail behind the Hotel Alyeska and parking is available there if you're not a guest spending the night. This trail can be broken down into 3 segments and the first section is .75 miles along many sections of boardwalk. It's all very flat and keeps you dry when the surroundings are rather wet. We have seen some cool things in the past along this section - moose tra...

Mount Alyeska

Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

You'll see tons of animals including bald eagles, bears, moose, muskox, lynx, reindeer, and wolves! It's a conservation center so they have a great mission. It is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range and the Turnagain Arm Inlet. Open 7 days a week, 10 am to 6 pm with last entry at 5 pm. You do have to buy tickets, which you can do ahead of time online or...

Bird Ridge Trail

The trail begins at sea level and winds its way through the forest gradually, occasionally allowing a peek at the Turnagain Arm behind you. Once out of the treeline, the trail becomes much steeper, around dirt and rocks, but with the summit in sight it's easy to continue on, despite that stinging burn in your calves. There's an outhouse within the first 5 minutes of the trailhead. Last chance...

Winter Hike to Portage Glacier

This hike must be done in the deep of winter! Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. This trail is appropriate for children. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire. Starting at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center (...

Hike Byron Glacier

To begin on this adventure, you first have to find the trailhead. Drive out on the highway to Girdwood, and turn left at the sign that says "Portage Glacier". Towards the end of the road, it Ys and you take a right, then another right. Follow this road, and the first parking lot on your right is the one for you. Unfortunately there are no bathrooms here, but if you're a true adventurer you won'...