Chugach State Park Winter Waterfall Walk
Easily as beautiful as any national park, Chugach State Park is a must-see for any Alaskan visitor—and Barbara Falls is one of its crown jewels. In winter, the crowds dissipate and the cascade freezes up, making for an incredible winter-wonderland experience (and spectacular photos). Just minutes away from the trailhead, this experience is suitable for all hikers, children, and anyone who can bundle up and appreciate Alaska’s great outdoors.
Highlights
- ✓Transport from Anchorage's Egan Center to the park included
- ✓Ice spikes, snacks, poles, and day packs can be provided
- ✓See Barbara Falls encased in ice, ice dams along the South Fork Eagle River, and more
- ✓Follow your naturalist guide for a deeper look into Alaska's boreal forest
What you'll see & do
- ✓We start the tour by following the gorgeous South Fork Eagle River, pausing to observe the ice-dam formations created by frigid-cold and fast-moving water. Ice crystals appear to grow from the surface of the water, slowing and raising the water level in terrific ways. Just minutes later, we arrive at the base of the magical 25-foot waterfall where you see shimmering icicles, fascinating ice bridges and falling water frozen-in-time. After stocking up a store of photos to show your friends and family, we embark on a short nature walk. You will see the stunning vegetation living within our diverse boreal forests. Towering species such as white spruces, paper birches, and aspens drape the frozen ground below. We will explain the intriguing biological mysteries happening within the lichen, mosses, and trees that surround us. We could also see local wildlife, such as: moose, hare, rodents, and birds. Transportation included in total time of tour: (1 hour transportation & 4 hours hiking)
What's included
- ✓Day packs and trekking poles available upon request. Microspikes provided for icy conditions.
- ✓Snacks
- ✓Snow gaiters available upon request.
What's not included
- ✓No hotel, B&B, Air B&B, or other accommodation pickups.
- ✓Must meet at designated meeting location or provide own transportation to trailhead.
- ✓Snowboots or high-top hiking shoes.
- ✓Appropriate clothing for snow.
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No experience required, but you should be able to walk at least 2 miles on flat pavement, or 2 miles of uneven rolling terrain over the course of ~ 2 hours
Participation waiver signature required prior to departure.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know and we will accommodate you with a different snack option.
Appropriate winter clothing and footwear is the guests responsibility.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Chugach State Park Winter Waterfall Walk
Easily as beautiful as any national park, Chugach State Park is a must-see for any Alaskan visitor—and Barbara Falls is one of its crown jewels. In winter, the crowds dissipate and the cascade freezes up, making for an incredible winter-wonderland experience (and spectacular photos). Just minutes away from the trailhead, this experience is suitable for all hikers, children, and anyone who can bundle up and appreciate Alaska’s great outdoors.
Highlights
- ✓Transport from Anchorage's Egan Center to the park included
- ✓Ice spikes, snacks, poles, and day packs can be provided
- ✓See Barbara Falls encased in ice, ice dams along the South Fork Eagle River, and more
- ✓Follow your naturalist guide for a deeper look into Alaska's boreal forest
What you'll see & do
- ✓We start the tour by following the gorgeous South Fork Eagle River, pausing to observe the ice-dam formations created by frigid-cold and fast-moving water. Ice crystals appear to grow from the surface of the water, slowing and raising the water level in terrific ways. Just minutes later, we arrive at the base of the magical 25-foot waterfall where you see shimmering icicles, fascinating ice bridges and falling water frozen-in-time. After stocking up a store of photos to show your friends and family, we embark on a short nature walk. You will see the stunning vegetation living within our diverse boreal forests. Towering species such as white spruces, paper birches, and aspens drape the frozen ground below. We will explain the intriguing biological mysteries happening within the lichen, mosses, and trees that surround us. We could also see local wildlife, such as: moose, hare, rodents, and birds. Transportation included in total time of tour: (1 hour transportation & 4 hours hiking)
What's included
- ✓Day packs and trekking poles available upon request. Microspikes provided for icy conditions.
- ✓Snacks
- ✓Snow gaiters available upon request.
What's not included
- ✓No hotel, B&B, Air B&B, or other accommodation pickups.
- ✓Must meet at designated meeting location or provide own transportation to trailhead.
- ✓Snowboots or high-top hiking shoes.
- ✓Appropriate clothing for snow.
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No experience required, but you should be able to walk at least 2 miles on flat pavement, or 2 miles of uneven rolling terrain over the course of ~ 2 hours
Participation waiver signature required prior to departure.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know and we will accommodate you with a different snack option.
Appropriate winter clothing and footwear is the guests responsibility.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.