Updated July 2026
Sawmill Creek Falls
A roughly 100-foot waterfall at the top of a glacially carved hanging valley above Sitka, reached via the Herring Cove Trail off Sawmill Creek Road. The trail climbs a steep hillside before leveling into old-growth forest below the falls.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Tongass National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Where to stay near Sawmill Creek Falls, Alaska
Top-rated places to stay near Sawmill Creek Falls, Alaska
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Sawmill Creek Falls, Alaska?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Sawmill Creek Falls, Alaska — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sawmill Creek Falls drops about 100 feet. That makes it the 218th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 73% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Herring Cove / Beaver Lake Trail reaches it about 3.7 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 967 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Sitka. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Tongass National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.
Summer (Jun-Sep). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Alaska waterfalls
- Barbara Falls · 25 ft
- Beaver Falls · 40 ft
- Bridal Veil Falls · 600 ft
- Brooks Falls · 6 ft
- Ebner Falls
- Falls Creek Falls
- Horsetail Falls · 328 ft
- Indian River Falls · 70 ft
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.