Visiting the Frozen Thunder Bird Waterfalls in -12 deg C! : Amazing Alaska Part 4

Who can say no to a cool waterfall only a half-hour’s drive from town?
One of the most popular “first hikes” for families with small children, the one-mile trail to Thunderbird Falls traverses a handsome birch forest along the Eklutna River canyon to reach a deck with views of a 200-foot waterfall.
Located inside Chugach State Park north of Eagle River and just south of Eklutna, the trail climbs steeply at first, gaining about 100 feet in elevation. Then the route levels out and becomes an easy walk.
A viewing deck, refurbished in the past few years, offers an elevated straight-on view. But the more adventuresome will want to take a side trail down into the canyon. With some care for footing, you can work upstream to the base of the falls and feel the chilly spray of Thunderbird Creek on your face.
During winter, the falls can freeze, forming fabulous columns of blue ice. Take care that you have ice grippers on shoes after temperatures plunge. In all seasons, parents will want to be wary of the canyon lip and keep children well away.