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Winter Waterfall Hike

Guided ·
5.0
See all hiking tours in Anchorage
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Private
Instant Book
Duration: 3 hours

Pricing

Hiker

Non-private rate per person

$119
Private Tour

Reserve up to 12 People (Select 1 to enter party size)

$0

All Prices

Hiker

Non-private rate per person

$119
Private Tour

Reserve up to 12 People (Select 1 to enter party size)

$0

Description

Guided Winter Waterfall Hike - Barbara Falls & Lower South Fork Eagle River

Discover one of Alaska’s most photogenic winter wonders on this short and scenic guided hike to Barbara Falls. Just outside Anchorage, this easy adventure blends accessible trails, stunning frozen scenery, and local ecology into one unforgettable experience.
Your journey begins with a peaceful walk through the boreal forest, where frost-covered alders glisten in the pale winter sun. Along the way, your naturalist guide shares fascinating insights into the plants, trees, and animals that thrive in Alaska’s subarctic climate. The trail follows the South Fork Eagle River, revealing dramatic ice formations and glistening snow drifts. Just minutes from the trailhead, you’ll reach the breathtaking 35-foot frozen cascade of Barbara Falls—an incredible photo stop and a highlight of any Alaskan winter visit.
Perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone seeking a taste of wild Alaska without a strenuous climb, this half-day tour is a beautiful snapshot of the state’s frosty magic.

Duration of Adventure

  1. 3 hours total (approximately 2 hours of hiking and 1 hour of round-trip travel).
  2. Choose from two departure times: 
    1. Morning Tour: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    2. Afternoon Tour: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  3. This introductory tour covers roughly 2 miles with about 300 feet of elevation gain (equivalent to 20 flights of stairs).

Location / Where to Meet

Tours take place in Chugach State Park, just east of Anchorage.

  1. Non-Private Bookings: Meet your guide at the Egan Center on 5th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage for round-trip transportation. Hotel pick up is available for an additional fee.
  2. Private Tours: Enjoy convenient pickup directly from your hotel or Airbnb in Anchorage.
  3. Driving Yourself? You’re welcome to meet us directly at the Glen Alps Trailhead—just let us know when booking.

Ages & Requirements

  1. Group tours: Ages 4 and up
  2. Private Tours: All ages welcome! For children under 4, please select a Private Tour at checkout.
  3. Must be able to walk ~2 miles on uneven terrain with moderate inclines

What’s Included

  1. Professional naturalist hiking guide
  2. Round-trip transportation from downtown Anchorage (Egan Center)
  3. Local Alaskan snack (Kat’s Epic Trail Bites or Elevated Oats)
  4. Use of microspikes for traction on ice
  5. Trekking poles (upon request)
  6. Hand warmers on cold days
  7. Park access fees and safety equipment

Not Included

  1. Winter boots or cold-weather clothing
  2. Water bottle
  3. Gratuities for your guide (optional but appreciated)
  4. Meals beyond provided snack

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Insulated waterproof boots with good traction
  2. Layered clothing: base, mid, and waterproof outer layer
  3. Warm hat, gloves/mittens, and neck gaiter
  4. Sunglasses or goggles (for glare)
  5. Water bottle (16–24 oz)
  6. Camera or smartphone for photos
See our full guide to What to Wear Snowshoeing!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Go Hike Alaska

FAQs

Do I need hiking experience?

No experience needed! This is one of our most accessible winter tours, perfect for families and first-time visitors to Alaska.

Is Barbara Falls always frozen?

From December through March, yes. In early or late winter, you may see partial ice formations mixed with flowing water—just as beautiful!

What happens if there’s little snow?

We’ll adjust to trail conditions, using microspikes for traction on icy or packed terrain. The tour still operates year-round as a winter hike.

How cold will it be?

Typical daytime temps range from 10°F to 30°F (-12°C to -1°C). Dress in layers, and we’ll provide hand warmers for comfort.

What food is included on tours?

We proudly serve locally made Alaskan products from Kat’s Epic Trail Bites, Alaska Sausage and Seafood, and Elevated Oats.

Are firearms allowed?

No. Go Hike Alaska has a strict no-firearms policy, even for licensed carriers. This applies to all tours and transportation. Our guides are trained in bear safety and non-lethal deterrence methods such as bear spray to ensure everyone’s safety in the field.

Can I bring my pet?

We love animals, but pets are not permitted on any Go Hike Alaska tours. Service animals are welcome; however, some trails may be too strenuous for them. Please contact us ahead of time if you’re unsure about the difficulty level or conditions.

Can I bring a drone?

No. Drone usage is prohibited under Chugach State Park regulations. We ask all guests to leave drones behind to preserve the natural experience for everyone.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

We understand life is wild and cancelling your hike might be necessary. We hope this does not occur, but if circumstances lead you to cancel your hike the following policy will apply:

  • All cancellations must be received in writing.
  • If you cancel any time before 2 weeks prior to your scheduled hike, you will receive a full refund.
  • If you cancel between 48 hours to 2 weeks prior to your scheduled hike, you will receive 75% of your total service fee.
  • No refunds will be given for cancellations between 0 and 48 hours prior your hiking start time, or for any no shows.
Adjustments:
If you would like to switch the hike you’ve booked, or, transfer your hike to another person in your party, we can help you. All adjustments must be made by calling.or emailing us.

All refunds and adjustments will be processed within 3 business days.

Severe Weather & Other Safety Concerns Policy:
If your hike is canceled due to severe weather or extensive safety concerns, such as an aggressive bear found in the area, you will receive a full refund of your trip only if we cannot switch your hike to a different route. Before cancelling your hike, we will exhaust all attempts at switching your hike. Cancellations may be made by either management or by your guide, before your start time or while you are hiking.
COVID-19
If you need to cancel due to COVID-19, please let us know and we'll issue you a full refund.
For any questions regarding these policies, please call or email us.
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Availability

October 2026
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Location

Address

600 West 7th Avenue

Anchorage, AK, 99501

US

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