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South Fork Falls

4.6 (14 reviews)

South Fork Falls Photos

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Jasmine I.

I'll have to check this hike out in the summer months. Came with full snow on the ground. The drive up, was pretty steep, we slid a lot. My brown spouse who used to work for a local trash company, was not thrilled about this hike being on a private property this far out. Luckily, the other Yelp reviews gave us a much needed sense of direction. We mustered up the nerve to park where it said we couldn't and go through a fence that was clearly marked private property. The goal was to be in and out. The footpath that leads to a better view of the falls was completely covered. We crossed the bridge and stayed on the wide trail that lead to the view point area. To our surprise, a few different groups were on the trail or were coming as we were leaving. It gave us a sense of relief. There were a few toppled over trees we had to maneuver over but overall this was a fast easy hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end.

Vladmir T.

Great Short Hike Just Outside Town! This is definitely not as well known of a spot. The surety of whether or not you are supposed to be here at all is also questionable since when you park at the end of the cul-de-sac it says private property everywhere. There are no signs at all for this hike. You literally walk down the larger driveway on the Right center when you park and go across the bridge and take a right after the creek and follow the creek down through the trees until raging water is found. It's a pretty cool spot with lots of the alaskan state bird chasing you around (Mosquitos).... We didn't see anyone else here the whole time we explored.

Living on the edge.
Michela I.

This waterfall is one of Eagle Rivers best kept secrets. South Fork Falls (or Barbara Falls, as the sign states) is located towards the endish of Hiland Road in Eagle River. Forget Thunderbird Falls, if you are looking for a quick hike to an actual waterfall, this one is it. To get here from Anchorage take the first Eagle River exit, Eagle River Loop, and follow down Hiland Road. At the Y towards the end of Hiland, follow the left side which is River View Drive. At the end of that road you will turn right on River Park Drive until you see Ken Logan Circle on your left. From the exit it should take you less than 10 minutes. You will notice there's not that much room to park so be mindful of the signs posted. There are two ways to observe the falls. Way one, cross the bridge and follow the trails to the observatory deck. The trail is clearly marked, be sure to avoid private property. Or, before reaching the bridge, on the right hand side you will see a little sliver of a path. It goes for approx. less than a mile, it might even be less than a half of a mile, but it takes you right to the bottom of the falls. And takes you so close, you can feel the water as it splashes amongst the rocks at the bottom. This is my spot for something easy and peaceful.

Diana S.

Well worth the short hike. ( More like a walk) Went around November and it was pretty chilly. The end view was awesome and the only down side is parking, make sure you're not in the "Fire Zone". Seems to me this place is more of a local spot, I may be wrong though. Check out my vlog for more Details! Enjoy yourself! Recommend: Level Easy Time: Short// 20 mins max http://youtu.be/JaFqE5reM94

Gregg K.

Barbara Falls is a great and relaxing walk. The first section of the hike is private property and their is no sign until you reach Y in the road know that you've reached Barbara Falls. You'll hear the water and it will let you know you've reached the water fall. It's a great view and if you go slightly off trail you'll able to get a better view of the water fall.

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7 years ago

Beautiful view, short walk, and robust waterfalls. It's private property so get on and off without a disturbance.

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Review Highlights - South Fork Falls

You can climb further up, but you will be on private property and a liability to them.

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Chugach Adventures

Chugach Adventures

4.8
(26 reviews)
25.2 mi

Paddled Spencer Glacier with Chugach adventures in early June. We travelled by train to get there…read more Then by bus to the beach. They pretty much have thought of everything! All you need to do is paddle and bring a water bottle! They bring snacks, and homemade lunches that were amazing with homemade bread!! The view when you come around the corner is jaw dropping!! The staff were amazing and very personable!! We traveled by train for the second half of our journey to view multiple glaciers and animal sightings!! Moose, eagles, bear. There's an opportunity to get off the train and complete a short hike. This trip was the most expensive that we did, but we would do it again!!

Our group did the Glacier Blue Kayak and Grandview Tour which started with a trainride from…read moreGirdwood to Spencer Glacier. Then we had a quick kayak lesson, then paddled across the water to get up close to the glacier. Once we walked up close to admire the view, we did a meaningful meditation, took some pictures, then headed down for lunch. The box lunch was plentiful and fresh. Just enough to keep us satisfied as the train went up to Grandview to see a few more glaciers and some waterfalls that you can't get to by road. All in all, Ryan and Caroline provided us with a safe and fun day that was unforgettable. Definitely the highlight of our time in Alaska.

Photos
Train ride to Spencer Glacier, then up the mountain to see multiple other glaciers after paddling Spencer Glacier via train
Train ride to Spencer Glacier, then up the mountain to see multiple other glaciers after paddling Spencer Glacier via train
Spencer Glacier
Spencer Glacier
More icebergs

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More icebergs
Westchester Lagoon

Westchester Lagoon

4.7
(13 reviews)
15.7 mi

I probably spend more time at this park year round than any other park in Anchorage proper. It is…read moreconveniently connected to multiple trails and easy to access on foot from most of West Anch, Spenard, Northstar/Valley of the Moon, Midtown, and Downtown. If you've got a bike, you can connect from even further out very easily. As such, the Lagoon looks a lot like a Gilmore Girls community and is popular with people year round. There are frequently small sponsored events going on- the coolest of which involves ice skating in the winter. I personally love this park because it's a great place to bird watch. It's a fragile breeding ground for aquatic birds (take note dog owners - IT IS NOT OK TO LET YOUR DOGS OFF LEASH HERE OR LET THEM SWIM!) Red Neck Grebes are one if the more unusual arctic birds that breed here. The arctic terns also put on quite a show. Various loons and cranes also make an appearance, as well as some unique ducks. There's also an awesome playground and snack bar for the kiddies. A few years ago they also installed a bike counter that tracks the thousands that use the Tony Knowles at various intervals - it's fun to watch the numbers climb as the season goes on. There's also a free bike maintenance station here. Definitely a great location for lots and tourists alike, but parking is a problem, so carpool or better yet, use the trails!

This is a park which also goes by the name also known as Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, is home to a…read moreman-made water fowl sanctuary, a lake, a disc golf course and a playground. They have private parking lots for you to park free of charge. It is located near downtown and is a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It conveniently lies at the intersection of two of Anchorage's most popular trails, the Tony Knowles and Chester Creek trails. There were many runners traveling through while I was there, going through the two little tunnels that run under the road. You will find benches and picnic tables here to sit around the lake. This is home to lots, I mean lots, lots of waterfowl. They seemed aggressive, so I kept my distance. The disc golf course was nice but was covered in snow and mud. The lake is nice and during the winter is converted to an ice hockey/skating rink. My only complaint is that the park could be a little cleaner, even though part is that could be due to me visiting off-season. There were some maintenance guys there do some other stuff. The park is touted as a great place to bird watch in the spring and you can see other animals such as moose, beaver in the early morning or late evening, muskrats, foxes, otters, and minks, year-round, but it is rare. I did not see any of them. This nature park has a calming kind of peace to it, even though you hear the hum of cars on the nearby road. Just sitting on the bench looking out to the lake was so very soothing. If your schedule permits, I highly recommend visiting this place to just relax and recharge.

Photos
Swan
Swan
Me grebe got a fish
Me grebe got a fish
Arctic tern

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Arctic tern
Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail

Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail

4.8
(6 reviews)
15.6 mi

Having completed a few 5k's this summer, I was recently re-introduced to this beautiful trail…read moresystem. I agree with other Yelpers when it comes to the trail being secluded and more "in the woods," compared to say, The Tony Knowles trail, which is a favorite of mine. Because of this, you're definitely more likely to see wildlife on this trail, so be bear and moose aware. Carry lots of bug spray. The biggest pro about this trail for me, is all the shallow fresh water access points. Please note, the most secluded parts of this trail are also home to Anchorage's homeless population, so it's best to be aware of your surroundings in general.

Anchorage's urban trail system is it's biggest asset that no one outside of Anchorage knows about,…read moreand that folks in Anchorage take for granted. This one runs West-to-East. In the west, it starts at Westchester Lagoon and it seems to end at Goose Lake Park in the east. I use a good chunk of it to bike commute. It's nice in that it rarely intersects a road. Where it approaches a main-vain, it tunnels underneath the road. Chester Creek is also very picturesque in parts. It's got a gentle flow, it's lined with trees, and it's dotted with quaint little wooden bridges. It makes me want to sing "Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go!" It's decently groomed in the winter, and is the realm of XC skiers and fat bikers, but it can be done with some good waterproof boots, on foot, as well.

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Gross ducks trying to look majestic
Gross ducks trying to look majestic
Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail
April trail conditions in the shade are snowy

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April trail conditions in the shade are snowy
Chugach Guides Alaska

Chugach Guides Alaska

5.0
(4 reviews)
18.8 mi

Super Late on this review but finally got to it. We were in Alaska last year for my sister's T4K…read moreRide (http://www.texas4000.org). After she was done we wanted to explore Anchorage a little. After reading about Chugach guides we booked a hike with them. My parents never go hiking or trekking, neither does my wife!!! For them to enjoy this, was a big deal. Sudevi was on time and super cheerful. She is very knowledgable and kept the hike easy for most of the way keeping in mind that my sister just biked 4500 miles from Austin 2 days before. My mom is a botanist so she got to explore her flowers and plants, I like mountains so we got some nice shots. I would highly recommend Sudevi and her company. She was equipped with water and snacks, what else can you ask for.

I signed up for a day long hike and had the best hike of my life! Luke was our guide. He was…read moreenjoyable to be with and offered education along the way, as well as keeping the conversation going between us. He hiked us up to hidden lake, and then gave us the option to climb to the summit of The Ramp for the most breathtaking view. As a novice hiker, it was certainly a challenge, but the views at the top were spectacular. All in all, 13 miles round trip. Hiking poles, snacks and water were provided. Those poles saved my knees on the way back! I highly recommend this company. I felt I received great value.

Photos
Wife & I
Wife & I
Counting Dall Sheep
Counting Dall Sheep
Chugach Guides Alaska

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South Fork Falls - hiking - Updated July 2026

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