A waterfall on the Eklutna River in Chugach State Park, reached by a short trail off the Old Glenn Highway near Anchorage.
Thunder Bird Falls drops into a narrow gorge on the Eklutna River inside Chugach State Park, off the Old Glenn Highway near Eklutna, roughly a half hour from Anchorage. Alaska State Parks maintains a trailhead here, reached via the Thunderbird Falls exit near Mile 25 of the Glenn Highway, with a short, gently climbing trail leading to a viewing area above the falls. In winter, spray from the falls can freeze into large columns of blue ice, a seasonal draw the park system highlights, though officials also note it as a reason to use traction devices on the trail.
As of our review, Alaska State Parks' current-conditions page listed no active closures for Thunder Bird Falls or the surrounding Eklutna-area trails, and the division separately noted rising trail use and litter here in recent years as it has promoted volunteer cleanups. A $5 day-use parking fee (or a valid Alaska State Parks pass) is posted for the Thunder Bird Falls Trailhead. Because reported trail-length and falls-height figures vary between secondary sources, confirm exact mileage and any current seasonal or ice-related advisories with Alaska State Parks before visiting.
Know before you go
Chugach State Park, via the Thunderbird Falls exit near Mile 25 of the Glenn Highway on the Old Glenn Highway, Eklutna area, AK (about 30 minutes from Anchorage).
Open year-round; the falls can freeze into ice columns in winter - use traction devices and check current conditions.
Short, gently climbing trail from the trailhead to a viewing area above the falls; check current official mileage, reported at roughly 1 mile round trip.
$5 day-use parking fee or a valid Alaska State Parks pass at the Thunder Bird Falls Trailhead.
Outhouses at the trailhead; no further accessibility detail published on the official page.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Alaska DNR Division of Parks — Chugach State Park ↗
- Alaska DNR Division of Parks — Unit Fees ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
