Kasnyku Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Kasnyku Falls
Kasnyku Falls tumbles from Kasnyku Lake down a steep, rocky slope into Kasnyku Bay on Baranof Island, offering a dramatic, remote cascade framed by the coastal forest of southeast Alaska. The falls sit within the Tongass National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, so expect a wild, largely undeveloped setting where the sound of falling water and the rugged shoreline are the main attractions. There is no formal maintained USFS trail to the base of the falls, and most visitors view Kasnyku Falls from the water or by following an informal land approach. The nearest public cabin/camp is Baranof Lake Cabin, about 14.2 km away, so plan logistics and safety accordingly.
The Setting
Kasnyku Falls sits at 203 feet within Tongass National Forest, in the coastal lowlands of Alaska.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Kasnyku Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No official USFS trail number leads directly to Kasnyku Falls; there is no maintained, signed trail to the cascade. Recreational access is primarily by boat or via an informal foot route. Surface and formal trail class are unrecorded—expect uneven, rocky shoreline and potentially slippery sections—so bring proper footwear, be prepared for unmarked terrain, and treat the route as a wilderness scramble rather than a developed trail. Managed land unit: Tongass National Forest (U.S. Forest Service).
What to Expect
Expect a remote and serene experience with breathtaking views of the waterfall cascading into the bay. Wildlife sightings, such as eagles, seals, and bears, are common in the area. The falls are surrounded by dense forest and rocky terrain, adding to the sense of wilderness.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kasnyku Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kasnyku Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is more favorable, and the falls are typically at their most accessible.
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 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should exercise caution around the falls, as the terrain can be slippery and uneven. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear. Wildlife encounters are possible, so maintain a safe distance and store food securely.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sawmill C, 16.8 miles away, not on Kasnyku Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
70 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 7 years of record
3.12 ft
Water depth at gauge
46°F
Very coldExpect 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 46 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SAWMILL C BL U TAILRACE NR SITKA AK (27 km away).
Today
Moderate
75 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
99 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
190 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
219 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
148 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
145 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
112 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, rain (trip score 6/10).
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.
Is Kasnyku Falls Frozen?
Updated 35 minutes agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Kasnyku Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 42°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 70 ft³/s
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
The Terrain Around Kasnyku 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.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kasnyku Falls is accessible only by boat or floatplane, as it is located in a remote area of Baranof Island. Visitors typically depart from Sitka or other nearby towns to reach the falls. Once at Kasnyku Bay, the waterfall is visible from the water, and no formal trail leads directly to it.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
No parking is available as the area is only accessible by boat or floatplane.
Elevation
203 feet above sea level
Coordinates
57.191111° N, -134.832500° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan your visit carefully, as access requires a boat or floatplane. Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to explore the area near the falls, and bring rain gear as weather conditions can change rapidly. Binoculars are recommended for wildlife viewing.
Where to Stay
Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka
Walkable Sitka Getaway w/ Community Perks!
Hot Tub and Whale Watching! Scenic Sitka Escape
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
8.8 miles away · 1 sites
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.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Sitka, Alaska
Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska
This thermal feature on eastern Baranof Island represents the same geothermal field as its neighbor to the south, emerging at 7...
Baranof Warm Springs
Baranof Warm Springs flow at 124 degrees Fahrenheit from ten distinct geothermal features on the eastern shore of Baranof Islan...
Hot Spring Near Fish Bay
This spring produces 117-degree water rich in geothermal heat 75 degrees above the surrounding environment, emerging from the t...
Goddard Hot Springs
Goddard Hot Springs flows at 153 degrees Fahrenheit from just 60 feet elevation on Baranof Island south of Sitka, maintaining a...
Nylen Hot Springs
Nylen Hot Springs occupy protected National Forest land in Southeast Alaska at 1,664 feet elevation, where open public access c...
Tenakee Hot Springs
Tenakee Hot Springs flows at 43.5°C (110°F) in the small community of Tenakee Springs, a charming Southeast Alaska village wher...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Sitka, Alaska on SoakingSprings.
Explore Alaska springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Kasnyku Lake, Baranof Warm Springs, and the surrounding Tongass National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, bears, seals, and salmon. Visitors should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters and follow safety guidelines.
Cities near Kasnyku Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Kasnyku Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.