Bridal Veil Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls tumbles into Keystone Canyon just off the Richardson Highway near Valdez, Alaska, and has long been a favorite roadside highlight for travelers. The waterfall’s thin, veil-like cascade is especially photogenic during spring and early summer when snowmelt increases flow, making it an easy and rewarding stop at the highway pullout for scenic views and pictures. The falls and immediate access lie on state-patented land managed by SDNR (designation: SOTH), so visitors are enjoying a scenic feature on state-managed property. While the cascade is visible from the roadside with minimal effort, hikers can extend the outing via an established 2.4-mile out-and-back route that gains roughly 350 feet and is rated moderate—a pleasant option for those who want a short hike and more varied perspectives of the canyon and falls.
The Setting
Bridal Veil Falls sits at 1,142 feet within State Patented, in the foothills of Alaska.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Bridal Veil Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no USFS trail designation for Bridal Veil Falls access; the falls are visible from a Richardson Highway pullout. For hikers, an established out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles round-trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain is described as moderate in difficulty. Official surface, grade, and trail class are not provided in the available data, so expect an unmarked/unpaved route with moderate uphill sections and some uneven footing; appropriate footwear and basic trail precautions are recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bridal Veil Falls is during the late spring and summer months when the snowmelt enhances the water flow. However, the falls are accessible and beautiful year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious when pulling off the highway, as traffic can be fast-moving. In winter, icy roads and snow accumulation may make access more challenging. Always stay a safe distance from the waterfall and avoid climbing on wet or slippery rocks.
Current Water Conditions
1,090 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 12 years of record
4.10 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LOWE R AB HORSETAIL FALLS NR VALDEZ AK (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
1220 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
1006 cfs
2/10Sun
Low
873 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
872 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
809 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
761 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
673 cfs
4/10Best window: Sun — low flow, widespread rain showers (trip score 4/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early June to late August, peaking in August.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Valdez hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
3-meter lidar measures about 165 feet of descent through Bridal Veil Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,147 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 78 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 188 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,147 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 165 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bridal Veil Falls is located along the Richardson Highway (AK-4), approximately 16.8 miles northeast of Valdez. The falls are easily visible from the road, making them accessible without requiring a hike.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small pullout area along the highway near the falls where visitors can park. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,142 feet above sea level
Coordinates
61.070278° N, -145.893611° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak tourist seasons to secure parking. Be cautious when pulling off the highway, as traffic can be fast-moving. Winter visitors should check road conditions before traveling.
Where to Stay
Glacier Hotel
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
House on the Rock B&B
Valdez Loft View Apartment
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
JACK BAY CABIN
21.2 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Jack Bay Cabin is located at the east end of Jack Bay in the Chugach National Forest. Visitors to the cabin will find many opportunities for recreation and relaxation in the vicinity. Access to the site is by float plane or boat only. The flight is typically 15 minutes from Valdez or 30 minutes from Cordova. It is 20 miles from Valdez by boat and 70 miles from Cordova. Tides affect access to this cabin, so it is important to check local tide information. Visitors are responsible for thei
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Horsetail Falls, Keystone Canyon, and the town of Valdez, which offers additional scenic views and outdoor activities.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area may include eagles, bears, and other Alaskan fauna. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid feeding or approaching wildlife.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Bridal Veil Falls
24 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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