Tanalian Falls Trail

Tanalian Falls Trail is a moderate, roughly 4-mile out-and-back from Falls and Lake Trailhead to the falls and back. Give it about 2½ hours, with time to stop at the water. The route starts near Port Alsworth’s southern airstrip and climbs through birch and spruce, with Lake Clark opening through the trees now and then. The payoff is a waterfall dropping about 30 feet over ancient lava. If you want a half-day walk with a real destination rather than a full-day summit, this is a good fit.

The trail meanders through birch groves and up a spruce-studded hillside. Lake Clark comes into view in breaks rather than staying beside you, and most of the walk is among trees. In summer, dwarf dogwood lines the trail and sunlight dapples the forest floor. Near the falls, the route rounds a bend and heads down a gentle slope. The approach is moderate, but the return climbs back out along the same corridor, so leave time and energy for it.

Cold glacial water pours over a roughly 30-foot cliff of ancient lava, and spray reaches the viewing area. The waterfall is the clear highlight; pause long enough to take in the sound as well as the view. For a photo, keep some of the rock and surrounding spruce in the frame. That setting is what makes this more than a wall of white water.

Turn around at Tanalian Falls for this trail’s roughly 4-mile round trip. The system continues beyond the falls toward Kontrashibuna Lake, about 5.5 miles round trip, while Tanalian Mountain is a separate 8.6-mile full-day hike. Those outings share part of the approach but add different distance and terrain. A Beaver Pond return can make a loop and offers a gentler climb to the falls, but the exact combined mileage isn’t published; check the current trail map before choosing it. Benches overlook the old pond, where shorebirds nest in early summer.

Port Alsworth is off Alaska’s road system, so plan the small-plane trip as part of the visit. The Falls and Lake Trailhead is near the southernmost airstrip. Its approach crosses private property on a public easement: follow the easement shown on the park map and stay off nearby private roads. The park recommends stopping at its Port Alsworth visitor center for a current trail map and conditions. Bears use this country, so secure scented items and follow park bear guidance. Leashed pets are allowed, but must stay leashed at all times; dispose of pet waste as the park directs.