Thunderbird Falls

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123	Map	Photo by Kathryn Eberhart © (Solstice Light)


		Last Updated: February 24, 2008
	Difficulty	Incredibly easy
	Connects With	None
	Miles One Way	1
	Miles from Anchorage	25; just before road to Eklutna Lake
	General Vicinity	Chugach State Park
	Season	All year long

	Description	Trust me, this is such a waste of time! Hike in to a small waterfall; that's about it. *** An anonymous contributor submitted the following: ~~There are no parking fees~~ for the Thunderbird Falls hike, and for those who have very small children this is a great hike, as it is easy enough for even a 2 or 3 year old to make it to the end of the trail with minimal help. (keep hands in yours around the cliffs and water though!) Great starter trail. * * Go here for a great trail description, with photos, by Kathryn Eberhart (who let me use her photo above). Her sight has other great trail descriptions as well. * * Matt submitted the following: Great hike in the winter with frozen falls and river. When frozen, it is possible to walk right up the face of the falls, listening to the water underneath. For a bit of a change, consider making it a loop by traveling to the falls from the parking lot, and following the Eklutna River, through the gorge, back to the parking lot. Etc: State parking fee of $5.00 per vehicle. * * Logan Guinn submitted the following about hiking this trail all the way to the falls in winter, as well as a photo: The hills really get your heart rate going. In the winter the trail becomes very icy, and can become a slip hazard easily. Going with a buddy system in place is wise. The view from the falls platform is really not as breath taking in the winter, as walking right up to the falls themselves. The Kodak moment is worth the climb up a snow and ice formed embankment that must be reached by walking across very slick ice. No matter who you are, the struggle to get so close to the falls and catch the water mist from the falls is so totally worth it. There is no other description of the falls, other than just Majestic in the winter. Walking the creek side trail is definitely recommended and if you're a photographer looking for some great shots, walking the creek back is a great element for winter shots. Bring plenty of fluids, first aid kit, as those cliffs can be treacherous as well as a walking stick and/or ice studs for boots. Try not to overdress. Keeping a coke on hand for the walk back helps. ***

	Important Information	None

	Etc.	he Glen Alps Parking Lot requires a $5 parking fee (bring exact amount). The price for an annual parking pass is $40. You can purchase a pass at the Federal Building at 4th and F or the Atwood Building on 7th and E, 12th Floor.


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