Virgin Creek Trail
Hiking
10 Minutes
Half-mile
180 Feet
Virgin Creek Falls
Lower Virgin Creek Falls trail is one of the easiest hikes in Girdwood. The distance is approximately a 1/2 mile round trip and gains an elevation of 180 feet. The trail is very well marked and meanders through an enchanted forest but be careful of the tree roots and the steep embankment by the river’s edge. With parental guidance, even young children can make the short distance to the beautiful falls. Because Girdwood is a temperate rain forest, the flora in the area is a bit different than you would expect in many other parts of Southcentral Alaska. Bring a rain jacket!
Getting There
Virgin Creek Falls is 45 minutes from Anchorage in Girdwood, Alaska. Once in Girdwood, take Alyeska Highway to Timberline Drive. Follow Timberline Drive to the very end and you will see the sign for the trailhead. There is not a parking lot so parking is on the street. Please respect the speed limit and private property while parking so that others can pass by. It is a temperate rainforest so make sure you bring a light rain jacket just in case. Tour operators need a permit to visit it and there is not room for busses and big vans to turn around.
The Trail
Once you reach the falls, you’ll have to descend down a small trail to the pool and the waterfalls. The rocks may be slippery, so be careful. This is where most people take pictures and even weddings have been performed at this location. This can be a popular location, so do not be surprised to see others in the area.
Upper Virgin Creek
Upper Virgin Creek trail goes to the top of Max’s mountain. Once you get past the falls, keep following the trail up the mountain. It’s a steep incline and there are places with loose shale. You will see people who are running it as the trail is part of the CIRQUE race during the summer. During the winter, this trail is used by skiers to access Max’s Mountain for backcountry skiing and riding.
Be careful on your way down as there are multiple different paths that spill out at different locations in the neighborhood. This trail is not maintained by the Girdwood Trails Committee.
Winter Use
The Trail to the falls is used in the winter and is fairly packed down. It can be icy in spots so be careful. The upper trail is used by skiers but it is highly recommended that you have avalanche training and beacons to venture on this path. Do not cross into Alyeska Resort property during winter operations!
Activities related to Virgin Creek Falls
This is a popular spot for wedding pictures, family photos, and senior pictures.
Be Respectful, Permits needed for Commercial Operations
There is not a parking lot so you’ll have to park on the street. Please respect the speed limit and private property. It is a temperate rainforest so make sure you bring a light rain jacket just in case.
All commercial operators offering tours to the falls need a permit from Girdwood Parks and Recreation. There is no place to turn around, or park, so anything bigger than 15-person van is not recommended because of these restricitons
