Thunderbird Falls

25351 Old Glenn Highway, AK
4.1
7 Reviews
Thunderbird Falls
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Details

Distance
1.98 miles
Elevation Gain
404 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Family Friendly
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Waterfall
Dog Friendly
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Dwayne Parton

Thunderbird Falls is only 30 minutes outside of Anchorage right off the Glenn Highway. It's a short hike that ends at a picturesque 200ft high waterfall.

Thunderbird Falls is just 1 mile from the parking area off the Glenn Highway. The trail starts off with climb but quickly levels off. It skirts the Eklutna Canyon through a birch forest with viewing decks overlooking the cayon and falls.

The trail splits near the end. If you stay to the right you will reach the overlook which is only about 100yds further on the boardwalk. Going left will take you to a creek side trail leading to the base of the falls.

The Alaska environment changes drastically with the climate. In the colder months the falls freeze and create blue ice formations. During this time the trail may be extremely icy. Be very careful and make sure to bring a pair of crampons.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
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Katy Doetsch
3/31/2026
Adequately Maintained
Good Conditions
Decently Marked
Easy To Park
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Natalie F
7/31/2020
Quick hike, worth the stop
The first few times we stopped to hike this we had to turn around b/c of bears, typical AK! But, eventually we made it! ...
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Tyler Diedrick
10/19/2019
Short and Quick
If you are looking for a very brief, quick, highly trafficked hike, this is it. The waterfall is beautiful but for something that can ...
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Sha-raya Bates
5/14/2017
Future Alaskan
My husband was born and raised in Alaska and took me to Thunderbird falls for my very first experience of Alaska. I can't wait ...
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Chase Huntzinger
11/23/2016
Pretty Hike, Don't have to Drive Far
This hike does not require you to drive very far off of the beaten path. It is pretty easy and can be done with ...
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Grant Whitty
10/8/2016
Amazing Waterfall
I went in the summer... There were about 3 people on the trail, we went late afternoon. The falls are amazing. Make sure to ...
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Johnathan Duncan
3/11/2016
Quick and Close
Thunderbird Falls is a short out and back hike that offers some views of the Eklunta Canyon and the falls. If you go during ...
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