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
What it is like
🦟 Bugs: High (Jun-Jul) Bears: Common, make noise