Considering how cold it is outside right now, you're probably daydreaming about escaping to a sunny island at this very moment. But don't book your flight just yet, because these epic photos of a frozen waterfall is about to make Alaska shoot to the top of your travel bucket list.
Sure you've seen waterfalls before, but have you ever witnessed the sheer magic of one in the winter? At this time of year, Thunderbird Falls, located in Chugach State Park, is completely frozen over—and it's quite the sight to behold. The mix of powdered snow, ice, and water can only be described as magnificent.
Alaska-based photographer Stephanie Mallory explains that she first visited the falls in June 2014. "As soon as I took my final step in front of her and looked up my jaw dropped," she recalled. "It honestly took my breath away."
Since then, she's made it her mission to photograph the waterfall during every season. But of course, winter is her favorite time to visit.
This type of spectacular beauty is best appreciated in person. Read Mallory's full account of visiting the waterfall below:
The rushing sounds of the water take over your thoughts. You forget any troubles that you thought you had just by standing there looking, and embracing the beauty of this waterfall. Staring at her, I had forgotten I had my camera in my hand. The only thing that your brain is processing is how beautiful the scenery in front of you is. Almost like time slows down for a minute. When I finally grabbed my camera to capture the beauty of Thunderbird Falls, I had been standing there frozen in time for almost 5 minutes.
Learn more at Only In Your State and see more of Mallory's photography on her website.
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Rebecca was the social media editor at CountryLiving.com and WomansDay.com.
