Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls is a dramatic two-tiered waterfall plunging 377 feet down a sheer cliff face into the edge of Mendenhall Lake, with the blue-grey face of Mendenhall Glacier visible just to the right, making it one of the most striking natural compositions in Alaska. A well-maintained trail leads directly to the base of the falls, where you can get close enough to feel the mist, and the sandy shoreline gives you room to frame both the waterfall and glacier together in a single wide shot. A wide-angle lens works well here for capturing the full scale, while a telephoto lets you isolate the glacier's textured ice. Overcast days actually work in your favor by softening harsh contrasts and bringing out the deep greens of the surrounding forest. Morning visits tend to mean fewer crowds, giving you cleaner shots along the shoreline without people in the frame. (Mendenhall Valley, Alaska, United States)