Back to trails

Whittier Creek Trail

The feel

This is a gentle stroll that follows Whittier Creek from the railroad crossing up to a waterfall at the trail's end. It sits right in the middle of town, yet the lush greenery makes you feel far from civilization.

It is Whittier's newest trail, and it gives visitors a clear way to reach a waterfall they had no easy path to before. You cross the railroad tracks near the start, then walk beside the creek.

What to expect

Route and terrain
Out and back, 0.8 miles total, with about 40 ft of gain, from the railroad crossing up the creek to the waterfall.
Time
About 30 minutes.
Parking
The trailhead is near the railroad crossing on Whittier St. City parking uses the Passport Parking App, zone 9001.
Dogs
Pets are allowed.
Kids
Rated easy.
Hazards
Bugs, wet conditions and bears. Wear closed-toed shoes.
Bathrooms and water
Flush toilets are located in Whittier.

Mingo says

Expect wet conditions on this short walk. Keep your bear awareness up even though you are in town.

Before you go

  • Pay for parking through the Passport Parking App, zone 9001.
  • Call the Whittier Harbormaster at 907-472-2327 with parking questions.
  • Pack bug protection for the creekside walk.

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

Today

Getting there

Distance
0.8 mi
Elevation gain
40 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Allowed
High point
60 ft
Drive from Anchorage
1h17 to Whittier
Drive from Fairbanks
Full day, 7h51 to Whittier
Open in Maps ↗

What it is like

🦟 Bugs: High (Jun-Jul) Bears: Common, make noise

Nearby

Sources