Waterfall Record

This is a portion of a waterfall with a rainbow.

The Waterfall Record

Virgin Creek Falls, Alaska

Virgin Creek Falls is a 15 foot / 5 meter tall waterfall in Alaska. The rocks around the falls are covered with an usually large amount of mosses and ferns.
Virgin Creek Falls in June 2011

Quick Facts

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 15′ / 5 m
Length of Hike: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km round-trip

The Record

This is an odd one…not the waterfall, but the record (story), which covers 10 years or so. I visited Virgin Creek Falls during my first visit to Alaska in 2011. I remember following the directions, but after arriving, I remember being a bit confused. There were signs early on, but as I got closer, I felt like I was not hiking on the approved trail. The falls and trail are in an inhabited area, so I wanted to ensure I wasn’t trespassing. I left unsure of whether I’d viewed the official Virgin Creek Falls.

A few years later, I was researching the falls. Now that there are more pictures online, I confirmed that I had viewed Virgin Creek Falls. While the falls are only 15 feet tall or so, it’s still an amazing creek that produces beautiful photographs! I’m fascinated by how the moss has grown over the tree branches and the rocks, clinging to any stable surface. It definitely gives a clear sense that you’re standing in a temperate rain forest!

I visited this area again in 2021 and stayed very close to the falls. For some reason, I decided against looking for the falls, and I regret that. It’s a really beautiful trek in a stunning forest and can be done without trespassing.

Directions

  1. Drive along Highway 1 from Anchorage. About 35 miles south of Anchorage, you’ll come to the town of Girdwood. It could be rather easy to miss at first.
  2. If you are heading southeast, turn left onto Alyeska Highway. Drive just over 2.5 miles to Timberline Drive.
  3. Continue along Timberline Drive for 1 mile or so to the very end. The road does curve a bit with many offshoots, but continue along to the parking area (which I don’t clearly remember).
  4. From the parking area, a sign should be right near a house, indicating you’re on the right path. (Again, I don’t seem to remember the sign.) It should be 0.1-0.2 miles from that area. (I’ve seen conflicting numbers, not that there’s a huge difference!)

Where in the World is Virgin Creek Falls?

This is a small cascade or waterfall on the Virgin Creek in Alaska. The trees and rocks are covered with mosses.
A drop on Virgin Creek (June 2011)

Leave a comment