Frozen waterfall hike Chugach State Park: Barbara Falls

Walk to a frozen 25-foot waterfall, ice bridges and all, then learn the boreal forest on the way back

This is a guided hike to Barbara Falls in Chugach State Park, where the waterfall freezes solid in winter and sits minutes from the trailhead. You follow the South Fork Eagle River, stop to photograph the 25-foot cascade with its icicles and ice bridges, then walk back through spruce and birch forest while the guide explains the boreal ecosystem and points out wildlife. The tour runs 3 hours total, includes microspikes for icy ground, a granola bar, and a live guide in English. Children are welcome from age 6.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to frozen Barbara Falls

• Follow South Fork Eagle River
• Observe ice-dam formations
• Arrive at 25-foot frozen waterfall
• Take photos of icicles and ice bridges
• Embark on short nature walk
• Learn about boreal forest vegetation
• Spot local wildlife

The experience

You meet at the trailhead and start by following the South Fork Eagle River upstream, watching ice-dam formations where frigid water slows and builds up in patterns. The walk is brief: minutes later you're at the base of Barbara Falls, a 25-foot cascade locked in ice. Shimmering icicles hang from the rock face, ice bridges span the water, and the whole thing looks like it's been paused mid-flow. This is where most people spend time with a camera.

After you've shot your photos, the guide leads a short nature walk back through the boreal forest. Towering white spruces, paper birches and aspens surround you, and the guide explains what's happening in the lichen, mosses and frozen ground below: the biological details most hikers miss. You might see moose, snowshoe hare, porcupines, rodents or birds moving through the trees. The whole outing is designed to be easy and brief, which is why it works for families with children and for anyone visiting Alaska who wants to see something striking without a full day's commitment.

Microspikes are provided to grip the icy terrain, and day packs and trekking poles are available if you need them. You'll get a granola bar partway through, and if you have dietary restrictions the operator will swap it for something else. The 3-hour total includes transportation time, so the actual hiking is shorter than that. Wear appropriate winter clothing and bring boots or high-top hiking shoes. Those are on you.

What’s included

• Microspikes for icy terrain.
• day packs and trekking poles available upon request.
• a granola bar snack (dietary restrictions accommodated).
• a live guide in English explaining the boreal forest and ice-dam formations.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Go Hike Alaska

Is this one for you?This is a guided walk, not a solo hike, so you get a naturalist pointing out the forest ecology and wildlife you'd otherwise miss. Book it if you're new to Alaska and want to see a striking frozen waterfall without committing a full day, or if you're visiting with children and need something brief but memorable on icy terrain.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does it take to walk to Barbara Falls from the trailhead?

Barbara Falls sits just minutes from the trailhead, so you reach the waterfall very quickly. Most of the 3-hour tour is spent at the falls photographing the frozen cascade and then walking back through the forest with the guide explaining the boreal ecosystem.

What wildlife might I see on this hike?

The guide watches for moose, snowshoe hare, porcupines, rodents and birds moving through the boreal forest. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the forest and river corridor are active habitat, especially in winter.

Do I need special equipment for the icy conditions?

Microspikes are provided to grip icy terrain, and day packs and trekking poles are available upon request. You must bring your own winter clothing and boots or high-top hiking shoes. Snow gaiters are available if you want them.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a live guide in English, microspikes for icy ground, a granola bar snack, and day packs and trekking poles if you request them. You meet at the designated trailhead. The operator does not provide hotel or accommodation pickups.

What is the boreal forest like in winter?

The boreal forest around Barbara Falls is dominated by white spruces, paper birches and aspens, all standing over frozen ground. The guide explains the biological activity in lichen, mosses and trees that survive the cold, showing you details most hikers walk past.