While the United States is often well known for its incredible lakes and beaches, it also has some of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world! Adventurers seek out waterfalls, as these mesmerizing sights are usually found in the depths of the wilderness, making them a perfect travel destination.
Are you thinking of planning a getaway to check out some iconic American waterfalls as a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip, or are you seeking majestic falls to add to your current vacation? Whatever the case, there’s no shortage of towering waterfalls across America to admire!
Colonial Creek Falls, Washington
Colonial Creek Falls is often said to be a hidden gem of Washington state, and many people drive right past this stunning waterfall without even realizing what they’re missing out on. This waterfall is located just a few miles away from Highway 20 and claims the title of the tallest waterfall in the continental United States, as well as the 15th tallest waterfall in the world.
It certainly has footing for that claim. Colonial Creek Falls is a tiered waterfall composed of 13 unique steps, drops up to 2,600 feet, and spans approximately 4,000 feet across!
A potential reason why this waterfall is so overlooked, aside from its secluded location, is the inaccessibility of its trails. In fact, there’s only one trail that provides access to the waterfall, starting at Highway 20 and inclining to the falls. This trail is well-maintained, but it’s no easy feat — it’s home to some difficult terrain, so make sure you’re prepared before you attempt this hike.
Yosemite Falls, California
One of the most well-known and frequently visited waterfalls in America (and for good reason), Yosemite Falls is a gorgeous waterfall in the all-so-popular Yosemite National Park.
Although easily mistaken for a single, continuous flow, Yosemite Falls is technically a series of waterfalls. This roaring beauty is made up of three distinct sections: Upper Yosemite Falls, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls. The collective drop of this waterfall is around 2,400 feet and can be easily admired from several locations around Yosemite Valley.
If a long day of hiking sounds appealing, you can trek to the summit of the falls via one of Yosemite’s oldest, most historic trails. Something to keep in mind is that Yosemite Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so expect to see its water flow fluctuate significantly, with lower volume expected for months at a time.
Spring is the best season to see this waterfall at its peak, so plan your trip accordingly.
Ribbon Falls, California
There’s another absolutely spectacular waterfall located in Yosemite National Park — Ribbon Falls.
Unfortunately, this waterfall doesn’t get as much attention as others due to the fact that it’s slightly less visible than Yosemite Falls. It’s also located in such close proximity to so many other stunning waterfalls that draw attention away from it.
However, don’t underestimate Ribbon Falls — it holds the title of longest single-drop waterfall in North America, falling 1,612 feet during peak season! That being said, spring is the only time that this waterfall is able to drop these staggering heights. Melting winter snow feeds Ribbon Falls, so it’s quite dry for a good portion of the year.
There’s no formal trail or hiking path that will take you to the base of Ribbon Falls, but you can get a great view of it at a lookout on Southside Drive.
Silver Strand Falls, California
Silver Strand Falls, another overlooked waterfall in Yosemite Valley, is an unassuming cascade of waters fed by a small basin located north of Badger Pass.
The waterfall drops 574 feet (often incorrectly reported to be 1,170 feet) and is the westernmost waterfall in Yosemite Valley.
Silver Strand Falls is a seasonal attraction because the basin that feeds it runs dry during periods of heavy snow. However, during the peak season, this waterfall is absolutely beautiful, boasting an impressive water flow for a smaller waterfall.
These falls aren’t as easy to see from the floor of Yosemite Valley as many other waterfalls, but you can get an incredible view of them from Tunnel View along Wawona Road.
Horsetail Falls, California
Horsetail Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located right along Highway 50, to the west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This waterfall is a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the Lake Tahoe area. The waterfall flows in several different stages, with six distinct steps contributing to the fall’s total drop of around 800 feet.
Horsetail Falls is especially picturesque during the spring when the melting snow and ice increase the water flow of the lakes that feed this waterfall.
If you want to hike any one of them yourself, you can either brave the Wilderness Boundary Trail to the base of the waterfall or follow the Pyramid Creek Trail, a less intense route.
This waterfall is actually pretty popular in the winter, especially in February. While it might sound like a terrible time to hike, this is the only time to catch the Firefall, which is when the waterfall is backlit by the sunset, giving the illusion that the waterfall is made of fire.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Claiming the title of Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls is an impressive sight that drops a total of about 610 feet. This waterfall is made up of two drops and is fed by rainwater and melting snow, meaning that although parts of the falls may freeze up during colder seasons, the water flow persists all year.
Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway near downtown Portland, this waterfall is stunning and accessible. Viewing platforms and hiking trails surround it, making it an extremely popular tourist attraction.
If you’re interested in hiking the trail, be sure to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes. It’s a pretty steep hike, and the spray of the waterfall might make you damp. Don’t let that deter you, though! Multnomah Falls are popular in Oregon for a very good reason — they’re quite the sight to behold.
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
Bridal Veil Falls, located at the end of the Box Canyon in Colorado, is a popular spot for tourists, nature lovers, and outdoorsy folk from all over the country. It is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, with a total drop of around 365 feet.
Bridal Veil Falls can be accessed by a hiking trail just off Colorado Avenue. It’s possible to drive to the bottom of the falls rather than hike — but a four-wheel drive is required to make the journey, so keep this in mind when planning your trip!
The hike itself is considered to be quite intense because the trail crosses through particularly difficult terrain. If this doesn’t sound right for you, the falls can also be viewed when driving Colorado Avenue, just off Highway 145.
Comet Falls, Washington
Comet Falls, located on Van Trump Creek in Washington, is considered to be one of the most popular waterfalls in the area. This waterfall has a large drop of 460 feet, with two other smaller drops below it giving it the appearance of a comet with a tail — hence the name.
This waterfall is a highly frequented location due to the stunning views and accessible area. You can hike the Comet Falls trail, which sees a lot of foot traffic during peak season. This is a moderate hike, and it’s well worth the journey.
Parking is available at the trailhead, and the waterfall is about 1.8 miles away. This trail is one you should definitely check out for an up-close view of Comet Falls!
Feather Falls, California
Feather Falls, located in Northern California, is an impressive 410-foot waterfall. This waterfall is absolutely gorgeous, but sadly, it doesn’t garner as much interest as other tall waterfalls in the country.
Feather Falls is accessible through various hiking trails that’ll lead you through the beautiful nature of the surrounding mountains until you reach the waterfall lookouts. If you continue on the hiking trails, you’ll make it all the way to the Fall River.
Tokopah Falls, California
Located in Sequoia National Park, Tokopah Falls is a series of steps with a total drop of around 1,200 feet. This makes it the tallest waterfall in the park, standing well above all others in the surrounding area.
This is another seasonal waterfall, with water drying up significantly during autumn. However, it experiences heavy flows during spring and summer, especially after heavy snowfall in the winter.
The Tokopah Falls hiking trail offers a stunning view of this waterfall. This is a very straightforward hike with just a single track and no junctions, and it can be completed by those with little to no hiking experience. This is great news for those who want a closer view of this beautiful waterfall and the surrounding landscape and wildlife!
Taughannock Falls, New York
Taughannock Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located in Taughannock Falls State Park, New York. It is made up of three distinct falls and has a total drop of 215 feet against a stunning limestone backdrop. The water flow of this waterfall is generally strong all year round, but it can dry up significantly in the summertime.
Viewing Taughannock Falls is easy. You can do it from the overlook, located just a few minutes from the road, or via the hiking trails. There are multiple trails that you can take to get a closer look at this waterfall, all of which are considered to be mild to moderate hikes.
Shoes with a firm grip are recommended, as the rocks in the area can become very slippery.
Rainbow Falls, Hawaii
The Rainbow Falls, located in the Wailuku River, are just as beautiful as their name suggests.
Unlike many other tall waterfalls in Hawaii, Rainbow Falls is remarkably easy to view. The falls can be observed either from the parking lot or from the top, which is accessible via the hiking trail. The hike is only a few minutes from the parking lot, and the rewarding views are very stunning.
This waterfall has an 80-foot drop over a lava cave and casts off stunning rainbow reflections. If you arrive early enough in the day, you’re almost guaranteed to see these rainbows bounce off the water of Rainbow Falls! It can’t be overstated how stunning Rainbow Falls is, and the location it’s in is also rich with culture and history.
According to legends, the cave that the falls cascade over is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess of the moon, Hina.
Vernal Fall, California
Vernal Fall is one of the many waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. It is a powerful waterfall with a 317-foot drop.
While it isn’t visible from the central area of Yosemite Valley, it’s easy to view either at a distance from Glacier Point or up close by hiking the Mist Trail.
This hike is fairly easy, but some form of rain jacket is highly recommended. You’re almost guaranteed to get covered in the misty spray of the waterfall that gives the trail its name. The spray is at its peak during spring, but it often dries up and reduces significantly by late summer.
Due to the spray that emanates from this waterfall, the surrounding area is home to moss, water plants, and rainbows that form when the water sprays the sun.
Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario
Any list of the waterfalls located in America isn’t complete without what could possibly be the most popular and well-known waterfall in the world — Niagara Falls!
The title of Niagara Falls actually refers to three distinct waterfalls that are located on the border between the United States and Canada. These are Horseshoe Falls (170 feet), American Falls (180 feet), and Bridal Veil Falls (78 feet).
What makes Niagara Falls so unique is the immense volume of water that passes through it, estimated to be about 3,160 tons every second. As a result, the falls produce over 4 million kilowatts of electricity! Niagara Falls can be viewed from the many paths and outlooks of Niagara Falls State Park.
A boat service called Maid of the Mist even provides up-close tours of the waterfalls. This boat takes its passengers right under the cascading mist, and it’s hands down the best way to experience this attraction!
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