Waterfalls Near Seward

Hello All. I will be in Seward in early August. I am a nature and wildlife photographer and are looking for waterfalls to photograph near Seward. Hopefully within an easy drive or short hike. I'm aware of the Lowell Creek Waterfall which is right outside of town. Any help would be appreciated. I will be driving down from Anchorage so if there are scenic waterfalls along the way that would also be a plus. Thank you in advance.

Seward and the surrounding Kenai Peninsula offer some beautiful waterfalls that are very accessible for photography, ranging from roadside spots to short hikes. Here are some top options for early August:

Near Seward:

  • Lowell Creek Waterfall: Right on the outskirts of town, this is an easily accessible waterfall perfect for photography, especially with early morning or late afternoon light.
  • Exit Glacier Waterfalls: In Kenai Fjords National Park near Exit Glacier, there are several small cascading waterfalls along the trails. The short hike to the glacier itself provides multiple viewpoints and smaller waterfall opportunities.
  • Salmon Creek Falls: Located just a few miles north of Seward on the Seward Highway, this is a small but picturesque waterfall that is easily reached by a very short walk from the roadside.
  • Salmon Creek Recreation Area: Offers several minor waterfalls and streams along easy trails, great for capturing forested cascades.

Scenic stops along the Seward Highway (Anchorage to Seward):

  • Beluga Point: While not a waterfall, this area has small streams and dramatic views along Turnagain Arm, often with cascades after rain.
  • Bird Creek Falls: Near Bird Creek, a slight detour off the highway gives a chance to photograph a modest waterfall with rugged surroundings.
  • Kenai River Tributaries: Along the highway, keep an eye out for smaller waterfalls feeding into the Kenai River and its tributaries, especially after summer rains.

Tips for photography:

  • Early morning or late evening light enhances the colors and reduces harsh shadows.
  • Bring a tripod for long exposure shots to capture smooth, flowing water.
  • Be aware of slippery rocks and wet areas, especially near glacier-fed waterfalls.
  • Even minor waterfalls along roadside streams can provide great foreground elements with the surrounding mountains or Turnagain Arm as background.

With these options, you should have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning waterfall images both in Seward and on the scenic drive down from Anchorage.


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