Thunderbird Falls facts for kids
Thunderbird Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Eklutna, Alaska. It drops about 100 feet into the Eklutna River. Many people visit because it's only a 30-minute drive from Anchorage. It's a great spot for families and tourists.
The waterfall is part of a 1.6-mile hiking trail. This trail is in Chugach State Park. You can choose one of two paths. One path is easier and leads to a viewing deck near the top of the falls. The other path is a bit harder but takes you closer to the bottom.
Climate Around Thunderbird Falls
Thunderbird Falls is in Alaska, so it has a subarctic climate. This means long, very cold winters and short, mild summers.
Every year, the falls get about 79 inches of snow. In January, the average low temperature is about 8.6°F. This makes the area very cold and snowy. The water in the falls can freeze into beautiful blue ice.
In summer, things change. The average high temperature in July is about 67°F. The waterfall flows strongly then, creating a cool mist.
Animals and Wildlife
The Eklutna River, which the falls flow into, is full of salmon. Thunderbird Falls helps clean the water. It also adds oxygen, which is good for the salmon. Other water creatures also live in the river's runoffs.
Salmon attract bigger animals, like bears. Black, brown, and grizzly bears live in this area. You might see them on the hiking trail or in the state park. Most Alaskans know how to stay safe around bears.
Other animals also live near the river. You might spot otters and different kinds of fish. Moose are also common in this area. Many birds live here too, like eagles and ravens. They build nests in the tall trees. The trees are great places to live near their food source, which is fish.
Plants and Trees
The area around Thunderbird Falls and Chugach State Park has over 500 types of plants. Many of these are tall trees, like the Sitka spruce. You can also find shrubs, such as blueberry bushes. Other plants, like the devil’s club, grow here too.
Waterfalls help create a healthy environment for plants and trees. This also helps stop soil from washing away. A healthy river means a healthier ecosystem all around it. Thunderbird Falls helps keep the Eklutna River healthy.
