Outdoors & Recreation

Virgin Creek Falls: Girdwood's Hidden Rainforest Waterfall

Virgin Creek Falls is a stunning, moss-draped waterfall tucked away in the temperate rainforest of Girdwood. This short, high-reward trail offers some of the most magical forest photography in Southcentral Alaska.

The Trail & Hike Details

This hike is incredibly short, spanning less than 0.5 miles round-trip. The dirt path winds through giant sitka spruce trees, dense devil's club, and bright green moss. The trail ends at a viewing pool directly beneath the rushing waterfall. The entire walk takes less than 15 minutes.

Parking Etiquette & Resident Alert

The trail head is located at the end of Timberline Drive, a residential cul-de-sac. Parking is extremely limited and strictly enforced. Visitors must respect local residents by parking only in designated areas, keeping noise levels down, and packing out all trash.

Photography Tips

To capture the smooth, silky look of the waterfall, bring a tripod and use a slow shutter speed (0.5 to 2 seconds) with a neutral density filter. The dense canopy provides excellent diffused light, making overcast or rainy days the best times to shoot.

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