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Thunderbird Falls Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,927 Google reviews · Running trail in Chugiak, Alaska · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Thunderbird Falls Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular 200-ft. waterfall with a viewing platform accessed via a scenic hike along a canyon.
What runners say about Thunderbird Falls Trailhead
“Well maintained trail, good view points of the canyon and falls.”
“The hike was beautiful but challenging for an older person with hip and knee issues.”
“It's doable for all ages, but if you hate elevation like me, you'll be a little bit slower than the other folks who are quick on their feet.”
Let me start by saying the walking trail is amazing. They have done a lot of work over the years to make Thunderbird Falls better. The trail is pretty much six to eight feet across and smooth the entire way out to the falls.
Well maintained trail, good view points of the canyon and falls. There is a side trail to the bottom of the falls. Visited mid October and trail was in good condition without much mud.
Easy hike to the falls. I visited in October so I was lucky to experience the fall. It is a nice and well-maintained path to the falls. You can also see the houses or neighborhoods along with the trail. Falls was nice and since it was not crowded, I could enjoy it peacefully.
Very easy. I walked both options (to the viewing platform and down to the waterside) in regular sandals with a back strap; no special hiking gear from an outfitter. People of a wide range of shapes, sizes and footwear (minus heels) were on the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“They have a walkway at the end of the trail that stops about 200 feet shy of being able to see the entire waterfall, and you need a good zoom lens to make pictures workout.”
“I took the lower trail first, and it offered a better view but in order to get close to the fall I had to traverse a pretty steep and muddy section.”
“I recommend stopping at a bathroom nearby before going to the trailhead because the restrooms are clearly not maintained.”
“I recommend stopping at a bathroom nearby before going to the trailhead because the restrooms are clearly not maintained.”
“This is challenging for a beginner and requires a moderate fitness level with readily available places to stop to catch your breath as you climb.”
“We took my DIL who is in a wheelchair and she did fine making it back on her electric scooter.”
Plan your run at Thunderbird Falls Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitealaska.org
- Phone(907) 345-5014
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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