Aerial view · USGS
Nutkwa Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
400 ft
About Nutkwa Falls
Nutkwa Falls tumbles through old-growth forest on Prince of Wales Island, offering a quietly dramatic cascade framed by mossy rocks and dense Sitka spruce and hemlock. Its remote setting makes the falls a rewarding destination for hikers seeking solitude and the roar of falling water rather than crowds—photographers and nature lovers will find plenty of scenic angles along the stream and among the surrounding ferns. Access to Nutkwa Falls is most commonly made on a moderate out-and-back route of roughly 4.0 miles round trip with about 400 feet of elevation gain. Because the waterfall lies in a relatively undeveloped area of the island, visitors should plan for backcountry conditions, carry basic navigation tools, and check with local guides or land managers for recent trail conditions before heading out.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Route type: out-and-back. Distance: approximately 4.0 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: about 400 feet. Rated: moderate. Official USFS trail name/number, surface, grade, and class are not documented in the provided data. The route is in a remote, forested area and may include natural tread and rugged sections; hikers should be prepared for unmarked or minimally maintained trail conditions, carry navigation, and verify current access information with local resources before setting out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a remote and tranquil experience, with the sound of cascading water and the surrounding wilderness providing a peaceful atmosphere. The falls are a great spot for photography and nature observation.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nutkwa Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nutkwa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are typically the best times to visit, as the weather is more favorable and the falls may have higher water flow due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 43°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should be prepared for remote wilderness conditions. Carry bear spray, dress appropriately for the weather, and inform someone of your plans before visiting. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Harris River 1.2 Mi, 24.5 miles away, not on Nutkwa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
333 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
20.73 ft
Water depth at gauge
43°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 43 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 HARRIS R 1.2 MI AB MOUTH NR HOLLIS AK (40 km away).
Today
Moderate
360 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
373 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
373 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
373 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
373 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
373 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
373 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, light rain (trip score 6/10).
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 Hydaburg hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Nutkwa Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Nutkwa Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 39°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 422 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 Nutkwa 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
Nutkwa Falls is located on Prince of Wales Island, which is accessible by ferry or plane from Ketchikan, Alaska. From there, visitors typically need to travel by road and potentially hike or boat to reach the falls, as it is in a remote area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is uncertain due to the remote nature of the falls. Visitors may need to park at a trailhead or nearby accessible area.
Elevation
43 feet above sea level
Coordinates
55.118611° N, -132.539444° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring appropriate gear for hiking and navigating remote areas. Check weather conditions and consult local resources for guidance on accessing the falls. Be prepared for limited or no cell service in the area.
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With 4.0 miles and 400 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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 Campground
JOSEPHINE LAKE CABIN
9 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Josephine Lake Cabin offers visitors recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site is located at an elevation of 1,800 feet and offers a scenic setting for fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, within the vicinity of the cabin. The site is accessible by float plane only. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation There are no fish
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Klawock, Alaska
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Klawock, Alaska on SoakingSprings.
Explore Alaska springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Prince of Wales Island offers other natural attractions, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, deer, and various bird species. Visitors should exercise caution and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Nutkwa Falls
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