Winter Waterfall Adventure at Barbara Falls in Chugach State Park

Location: Chugach State Park - Barbara Falls & Lower South Fork Eagle River Loop

Dates: November 1st, 2024 - April 30th, 2025

Tour #1: 9 am - 12 pm Tour #2: 1 pm - 4 pm

Travel Time: 1 Hour (30 minutes one-way) Hiking Time: 2 Hours

Distance & Elevation Gain: ~2 miles and 200 feet (or 20 flights of stairs)

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ "Easy for most & moderate for few"

Age recommendations: 4 & up

For groups with children under 4 years, please book a Private Tour!

• See the Chugach State Park's most photogenic waterfall, frozen-solid! ❄ • An easy, brief, and compelling Alaskan experience for all to enjoy. 😊 • Perfect fit for solo travelers, couples, and families with children. 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Learn about Alaska's boreal forests from a skilled naturalist. 🌲 • Opportunity for wildlife sightings, including moose, snowshoe hare, porcupine, voles, birds! 🐇 • Provisions include a prepacked snack and micro-spikes for icy terrain. 🍽

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About the Hike

Barbara Falls is the best waterfall to visit in Chugach State Park, especially when covered in ice. With the falls literally minutes away from the trailhead, it is a MUST-DO for any visitor AND Alaskan resident.

We start the tour by embarking on a short nature walk where you'll learn about the stunning vegetation living in our boreal forests. We'll share stories about the intriguing biological mysteries happening within the lichen, mosses, and trees that surround us. Towering species such as white spruces, paper birches, and aspens drape the frozen ground while frost from barren alders’ shimmer in the feint, winter-sun. We could also see wildlife, such as: moose, snowshoe hare, rodents, and birds. The ecology of the area is truly a sight to be behold!

Onward, we'll follow the gorgeous South Fork Eagle River, pausing to observe 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 35-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'll head back with plenty of time for your next Alaskan experience. What do you say? Let's go check out the falls together!

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Experience Suggestions

No experience required, but you should be able to walk at least 3 miles on flat pavement, or 2.5 miles of uneven rolling terrain over the course of 2 hours. You should also be able to balance well and feel comfortable walking in slippery conditions with the assistance of micro spikes. Some parts of the trail are steep and hilly, placing additional stress on areas of the body not impacted by level terrain. Not recommended for those with cardiac or respiratory issues/illness. May be difficult for those with joint issues.

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Rates

Non-Private Rate Per Person: $109

Solo travelers are welcome to book, however please note that we have a 2 person minimum requirement for the tour to operate. This is usually not a problem! In the event you are the only person on the hike, we will contact you within 24 hours prior to your tour, and provide you with the following options:

1. Move to another time & date.
2. Upgrade to a private hike for 1 ($218).
3. Cancel your booking for a full refund.

Private Party Rates: Private rates start at $218 for a solo, and are provided during booking. You get the whole tour to yourself or your group, as well as hotel/AirBnb pick up!

If you have a child under 4 years old, please select this option so we can move at our smallest guest's pace!

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Transportation:

Non-Private Bookings: Pick-up is at the Egan Center on 5th Ave in Downtown Anchorage. You can

Private Parties: We will pick you up from where ever you are staying, as long as it is in Anchorage.

You are also welcome to meet us at the trailhead! Just let us know when checking out.

Are you ready to Explore Your Wild and experience the Alaskan wilderness? Reserve your spot now, and we guarantee you'll have a blast!