Eagle River winter hike near Anchorage: Ice-covered Barbara Falls

Hike frozen Eagle River and walk to an ice-locked waterfall in Alaska's boreal forest

A winter hike near Anchorage through Chugach State Park's Eagle River valley to Barbara Falls, led by a live guide. You trek through snow-covered spruce forest watching for moose, snowshoe hare and other wildlife, then walk a short half-mile to Barbara Falls to photograph ice dams and shimmering snow crystals. Trekking poles and micro-spikes are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Winter hike and waterfall visit

• Hike forested trails at Eagle River
• Watch for wildlife along the trail
• Possibly hike on frozen Eagle River
• Take short ride to Barbara Falls
• Walk half mile to see ice dams
• Enjoy photo opportunities at waterfall

The experience

The hike starts at Eagle River Nature Center on the north fork of Chugach State Park's Eagle River. You'll walk through forested trails lined with snow-covered spruces, keeping watch for wildlife: moose, snowshoe hare, red fox, porcupine, and the American Dipper swimming in an unfrozen tributary warmed by geothermal heat. When conditions allow, you can hike directly on top of the frozen Eagle River itself, a moment most winter hikers don't get to experience.

After roughly 4 hours on the valley trails, a short ride takes you to Barbara Falls, Chugach State Park's signature waterfall. The final half-mile walk reveals ice dams, shimmering snow crystals, and photo opportunities around every corner. This section wraps the tour on a visual high note before the return to the trailhead.

Trekking poles and micro-spikes come with the tour. Snow gaiters are available if you ask. A granola bar, apple and cheese stick fuel the day. The guide speaks English and knows the boreal forest ecology and glaciated valleys. Children from age 8 are welcome. You'll need your own winter boots or high-top hiking shoes and appropriate cold-weather clothing.

What’s included

• Trekking poles.
• micro-spikes if needed.
• snow gaiters available upon request.
• granola bar, apple and cheese stick.
• live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Go Hike Alaska

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in Anchorage without a car. The trailhead is reachable by public transit from the city center.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years). Under 8: they 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.

What kind of wildlife might I see on the Eagle River hike?

Moose, snowshoe hare, red fox, porcupine and the American Dipper are all possible sightings along the forested trails and in the unfrozen tributaries warmed by geothermal heat.

Can I hike on top of the frozen Eagle River?

Yes, when conditions allow, you can walk directly on the frozen river itself, which is part of what makes this winter hike distinctive.

How much of the tour is actually hiking versus transportation?

About 4 hours is hiking on the trails and at Barbara Falls. Roughly 1 hour is spent in transportation to and from the sites.

What do I need to bring myself, and what's provided?

Bring winter boots or high-top hiking shoes and appropriate cold-weather clothing. The tour provides trekking poles, micro-spikes if needed, snow gaiters on request, and a snack of granola bar, apple and cheese stick.

Is this hike suitable for someone who's never done winter hiking before?

Yes, no experience is required. You should be able to walk at least 5 miles of uneven rolling terrain over roughly 4 hours, and some sections are steep and hilly. It's not recommended for people with cardiac or respiratory issues.