Are there fees or permits required for Hidden Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Hidden Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Hidden Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hidden Falls.

Live Conditions · 434 ft³/s · About average

Hidden Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hidden Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hidden Falls.

Alaska

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

3D terrain

Also For 11 other waterfalls also named Hidden Falls, see below

Tongass National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

drew.murray CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. It is known for its serene surroundings and lush greenery, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The waterfall is often visited as part of a hike or boat trip in the area.

The Setting

Hidden Falls sits at 148 feet within Tongass National Forest, in the coastal lowlands of Alaska.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is no established hiking trail to Hidden Falls. Visitors typically access the area via boat or floatplane, and the terrain around the falls may be rugged and uneven.

What to Expect

Expect a remote and tranquil experience surrounded by the natural beauty of Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Wildlife sightings, including bears and eagles, are common in the area. The falls themselves are a stunning feature, cascading amidst dense forest.

Accessibility

The site is not wheelchair accessible due to its remote location and rugged terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hidden Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hidden Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is milder and transportation options are more readily available.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Tongass National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Visitors should be aware of potential hazards, including slippery rocks, cold water, and wildlife encounters. Always travel with a guide or in a group, and carry bear spray if hiking in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

Based on a USGS gauge 16.6 miles away

434 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 6 years of record

4.22 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

SAWMILL C BL U TAILRACE NR SITKA AK

USGS 15087810

16.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 38 sq mi

Altitude: 140 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SAWMILL C BL U TAILRACE NR SITKA AK (27 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

440 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

475 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

337 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

185 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

145 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

209 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

126 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

81 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid September to late October, peaking in September.

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 Sitka hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Hidden Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around Hidden Falls near Sitka, Alaska

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Hidden Falls is located on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska. It is accessible primarily by boat or floatplane, as there are no roads leading to the area. Visitors often depart from Sitka or other nearby towns.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is no parking available as the site is only accessible by water or air.

Elevation

148 feet above sea level

Coordinates

57.216389° N, -134.874167° W

Land Management

Tongass National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Plan your visit carefully, as access is limited and weather conditions can change rapidly. Bring appropriate gear for wet and cold conditions, and ensure you have a reliable guide or transportation plan.

Where to Stay

Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka

8.0 105 reviews

Hot Tub and Whale Watching! Scenic Sitka Escape

Walkable Sitka Getaway w/ Community Perks!

9.0 3 reviews

See all hotels near Sitka

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

BARANOF LAKE CABIN

10.3 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Baranof Lake Cabin sits on the shores of greenish-blue Baranof Lake on the southwestern edge of Baranof Lake, 20 air miles east of of Sitka, Alaska. The cabin is generally available June through October, and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site. The cabin can be accessed by a 25-minute floatplane trip, weather permitting. In poor weather and low clouds, flying time can double, as flights must go the northern route around Baranof Island. Vi

Book on Recreation.gov

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Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Sitka, the Tongass National Forest, and other scenic areas on Baranof Island.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, eagles, and salmon. Visitors should exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.