Before you go
No trail or road leads to the falls; reaching it is a remote backcountry trip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve.
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Hard
About Cheshnina Falls
Cheshnina Falls is on the Cheshnina River between Cheshnina Glacier and the Copper River, at about 4,600 feet elevation in Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve northeast of Chitina. No trail or road leads to it. The falls lie east of the Copper River, away from the Edgerton and Richardson highways, so a visit is a self-supported backcountry trip.
The Setting
Cheshnina Falls sits at 4,564 feet within Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve, in the mountains of Alaska.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no established trail to the falls. Any route crosses trailless wilderness, braided glacial streams and brush, and requires map, compass or GPS skills.
What to Expect
Expect a challenging adventure through remote wilderness. The falls are surrounded by pristine natural beauty, with opportunities to see wildlife and experience solitude. However, the journey is physically demanding and requires proper gear and preparation.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cheshnina Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cheshnina Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) when weather conditions are more favorable, and access is less restricted by snow or ice.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Visitors should be aware of potential hazards, including wildlife encounters, river crossings, and rapidly changing weather. Proper preparation and wilderness survival skills are essential.
Know when to go.
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Is Cheshnina Falls Frozen?
Updated about 18 hours agoPartly frozen 1 day in a row below freezing 5 more freezing days forecast
Cheshnina Falls is probably icing up: 1 day in a row below freezing, with 5 more freezing days in the forecast. Expect icicles and ice at the edges with water still running through the middle.
- Days below freezing
- 10 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 1 day
- Freezing days ahead
- 5 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Alaska.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
No road reaches the falls. The Cheshnina River drains into the Copper River from the east, north of Chitina; roads in the area (Edgerton Highway, Richardson Highway) stay west of the Copper River. Talk to Wrangell-St. Elias staff about access before planning a trip.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
4,564 feet above sea level
Coordinates
61.857768° N, -144.117710° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Contact Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve before planning a trip, carry navigation and bear protection, and plan for no services.
Where to Stay
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 Hot Springs
Hot springs near Cheshnina Falls, Alaska
Upper Klawasi Warm Springs
Upper Klawasi Warm Springs stands at 2,980 feet elevation in the Copper River basin near Valdez, displaying some of Alaska's mo...
Mineral Spring (Lower Klawasi Cone)
Mineral Spring emerges with extraordinarily high salinity at 27,500 mg/L total dissolved solids, making it one of Alaska's most...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Cheshnina Falls, Alaska on SoakingSprings.
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Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and birds. Visitors should exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
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