Falls Creek Trail

The feel

The trail follows cascading Falls Creek through forest as it climbs steeply to timberline. Past the brush it opens to tundra and wildflower meadows, and it peters out near a small lake at the head of the valley.

The lower valley is V-shaped and stream-cut, and the upper valley is U-shaped and glacial. The trailhead is a midsize dirt pullout on the Seward Highway that is easy to drive past.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 4 miles total, with about 2400 ft of gain, rated hard. Stay on the right side of the creek; a trail on the left leads onto the open mountainside. Where it is overgrown, watch for undercut creek banks that might crumble.

Time

About 3 hours.

Parking

A midsize dirt pullout at mile 105.6 of the Seward Highway; space is very limited. Look for a blue "hike" sign and the creek running into a culvert.

Fees and passes

$5 day use, or an Alaska State Parks pass.

Dogs

Pets must be on a leash in the trailhead parking lot and under control on trails and in the backcountry.

Hazards

Poisonous baneberry is abundant at the trailhead; known avalanche hazard in winter and spring; trapping in winter. The Suicide Peaks beyond are for experienced scramblers only.

Bathrooms and water

Use water purification for drinking water to avoid giardiasis.

Season and access

Typically June to October. Bikes are not allowed.

Mingo says

Plan this for summer, from June through October. Winter and spring carry a known avalanche hazard on this trail.

Before you go

• Watch for the blue "hike" sign at mile 105.6, since the pullout is easy to pass.
• Call Chugach State Park Headquarters at (907) 345-5014 with questions.
• Do not touch the baneberry at the trailhead.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.