Thunderbird Falls: Short hike, big reward

Often named as one of the best short hikes near Anchorage, the trail to Thunderbird Falls is what I like to call “Alaska flat.” There’s no mountain to navigate over or across, and most ages/ability levels can manage this trail, but there are some stout little hills to be conquered. Also, please make sure everyone stays on the trail: There are steep drop-offs hidden in the brush.

This is hike 26 in my guidebook Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska, and hike 45 in 50 Hikes Around Anchorage.

Hiking to a Lookout Over Thunderbird Falls

The hike to Thunderbird Falls is so straightforward, the only directions you need are to make sure you stay on the trail. Why? Because there are some very steep drop-offs hidden in the brush not far off the trail — that’s why. In fact, during the winter you might see ice climbers on the trail, getting ready to rappel off one of those drop-offs and then climb their way back up.

The only branch in the trail comes as you’re approaching the final observation deck at its very end. Continue straight ahead to reach the observation deck, or take the obvious, maintained trail heading down and left to reach the misty pool at the base of the falls.

Thunderbird Falls Is About 100 Feet High

I know the waterfall looks kind of dinky in this picture, but it’s really about 100 feet high. I’m only slowing the last cascade at its base here, because I wanted to show that footpath to the bottom of the falls. In my mind, this is the best part of the trail.

The main (upper) path leading to the observation deck is actually an old road, so it’s quite wide and easy to walk on and the views from the observation deck are very nice.

Heads up, the rocks near the falls are slippery, and you may need ice grippers to navigate the “steepish” side trail safely in the winter.