Pioneer Falls, Alaska, United States
4.5 (23 reviews) Spent < 1 hour Ranking #8 in Palmer Scenic Walking Areas • Waterfalls
Hidden gem, short hike, roaring waterfall, beautiful scenery
A visit to Pioneer Falls is well worth the time and effort. Finding it is a bit of a challenge. We set Google Maps to "Pioneer Falls Trailhead"; the trick was knowing that when Google says we arrived, we had to turn into a narrow gravel driveway with an unmarked mailbox. Just 100 yards up the gravel driveway, we arrived at an oval gravel parking area. As we exited the car, we could hear the roar of the rushing water. The trail is obvious, though not groomed, so care is needed over rocks and roots. The trail cuts through lush forest and stops at a narrow viewpoint next to the cascading falls. Being adventurous, we continued up a steep rocky trail and were rewarded with spectacular views of larger cascades. Note: I do not recommend this activity for small children since the views are restricted and the rocky edge must be respected.
Address
Knik River Road, Palmer, Alaska, United States.
Website
http://waterfallrecord.com/2014/08/12/pioneer-falls-alaska/
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 12:12
User Ratings
4.5 based on (23 reviews)
Reviews
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4Sporter1 5:00 PM Aug 15, 2022
Beautiful falls but hard to find
As everyone else has said, it’s difficult to find. I would suggest put Pioneer Falls in your GPS, the when you are about 1/4 mile away, slow way down. When you round a corner, look for a dirt road with a black mailbox next to it. That’s the entrance. Drive a little ways to a parking area. You will see the falls from there. There isn’t much of a trail so don’t plan a lot of time there. The falls are amazing!
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4Alaska_Explorer 5:00 PM Dec 6, 2016
Steep Climb, Terrific Views
On a clear day this trail offers spectacular views of the Knik Glacier and surrounding Chugach mountains. Definitely worth the effort, but it is a steep climb and it takes 4 to 6 hours for most people to get above tree line. The trail is relatively new, so there are places where it narrowly winds through alders and willows lower down. Take your bear spray for these places. Once on top of the ridge you can travel with relative ease through the tundra, either north towards Pioneer Peak, or south along the long ridge that winds around to the Eklutna area. Unless you are an experienced and equipped mountaineer, do not use this route to try and climb Pioneer Peak. The last mile or so is over loose rock and with considerable exposure.
