10 Instagram Worthy Waterfalls To Go Chasin' This Year
Next up for your epic travel bucket list should be a few of the most spectacular waterfalls that the U.S. has to offer. There is such a beautiful variety of waterfalls in the country that can elevate any travel itinerary. Below, we have selected the top ten sensational and visit-worthy waterfalls to add to your list!
Calf Creek Falls
Photo credit: Dave Hoefler
Escalante, Utah
Calf Creek Falls is a magical, picture-perfect spot in the heart of a wide canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, and there are so many cool things about this area. The falls drop 130 feet into a deep swimming hole, which is superbly refreshing to swim in after walking through the dry Utah heat. The area surrounding the falls is fantastic, with green trees arching overhead, and red rock walls towering around you, painted with different shades of moss. When entering the clearing for Calf Creek Falls, you will feel like you stepped into a magical, lush oasis tucked away from the world. The falls require a 6.7 out-and-back hike, so it is not the kind of waterfall that you can just spontaneously pop out of the car for. However, it is well worth the time, family-friendly, and not that steep in elevation! It is a popular hike, so you will definitely encounter other hikers, and you should know that Utah heat is nothing to joke about—bring lots of water!
Snoqualmie Falls
Photo credit: Mark and Kristen Morgan
Snoqualmie, Washington
Snoqualmie Falls is a majestic sight to see, and is one of the most popular sites and tourist destinations in the state of Washington. The falls are nestled safely 30 minutes east of Seattle, in the charming small town of Snoqualmie, but roar anything but quietly. It is an easy, beautiful drive from the city and allows you wonderful access and views of the Cascade Mountains. Snoqualmie Falls is actually 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls, and the water drops from a height of 268 feet. The area is lush and mountainous, and prime Sasquatch-hunting territory. There is much history and folklore attached to the area and to the falls, making this Falls gorgeous and an opportunity for any history buffs out there. You can walk around different levels and platforms to take in the waterfall from various viewpoints; you won’t regret a stop at these glorious falls!
Waipo’o Falls
Photo credit: Spencer Watson
Kauai, Hawaii
This fantastic waterfall is located in Koke’e State Park on the magical island of Kauai, Hawaii.
While certainly not the most accessible waterfall on the list, Waipo’o Falls is certainly one of the most memorable falls. We recommend this unforgettable 3 mile out-and-back hike that offers you panoramic views of the great Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The trail is not difficult and leads you directly to the base of the waterfall, which disappears off the cliff into the canyon. The scenery make this trail and waterfall more than worth a visit, and Kauai is an incredible island to tour, offering jaw-dropping beaches, lush mountains, exciting hikes, helicopter and boat tours, and intimate and cute little beach towns. Put Waipo’o Falls on your bucket list!
Shoshone Falls
Photo credit: Ryan Fish
Twin Falls, Idaho
Referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls actually surpasses its eastern relative in height. The falls are a magnificent sight, falling 212 feet and ranging the entire 900-foot width of the Snake River canyon. You can easily view it from a distance and take in its roaring grandeur from several viewpoints, and the area of Twin Falls, Idaho makes for great outdoor recreational opportunities afforded by the Snake River. There are a plethora of other waterfalls, as well as swimming and kayaking spots, making Shoshone Falls and the town of Twin Falls well worth a visit.
Lower Falls of Yellowstone National Park
Photo credit: Delaware North Parks and Resorts
Wyoming
The Lower Falls of Yellowstone are the biggest and most popular falls in Yellowstone National Park, drawing many visitors to gaze and hike around the gorgeous water spectacle. Located just a few miles south of Canyon Village in Yellowstone, these falls are highly accessible by hiking (but not necessary)! Here the Yellowstone River towers and pours from a height of 308 feet into the drop-dead gorgeous Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The Lower Falls are the second most photographed spot in the park, so be sure to first explore the falls, before snapping some amazing photos!
Multnomah Falls
Photo credit: Delaney Van
Portland, Oregon
Multnomah Falls is a quintessential American landmark, treasured as a memorable sight and spot to explore. It draws more than 2 million visitors annually, and is conveniently located only 30 miles east of Portland. Multnomah Falls advertises itself as the number one natural tourist attraction in the Pacific Northwest, and for good reason! It plummets 620 feet in two tiers, and hosts a lodge, restaurant, and gift shop, with opportunities to hike, as well. During the busy summer months, you will need to make a reservation up to two weeks in advance (only a $2 entrance fee).
Here is a thorough but concise detailing of how to book your tickets!
Cumberland Falls
Photo credit: The Kentucky Wildlands
Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky
Located in Daniel Boone National Forest in The Kentucky Wildlands, Cumberland Falls is the largest waterfall in the state of Kentucky and is known to be the grandest waterfall of the South at 125 feet wide and 60 feet tall. One very unique aspect of this waterfall is that the raging waters and sparkling water droplets produce a “moonbow,” a natural phenomenon that is seen only on nights with a full moon and cannot be found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere! Located in Daniel Boone National Forest, the area surrounding Cumberland Falls boasts tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including water sports (Houseboat Capitol, anyone??), horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and more, so you can easily make a fun, activity-filled trip out of this waterfall!
Alamere Falls
Photo credit: Micha Herber-Bleich
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Alamere Falls makes this top-tier list easily for its magical location—it is one of approximately 30 tide falls in the entire world to flow directly into the ocean, and we are here for it. Alamere Falls are located about an hour's drive from San Francisco, making for a fantastic day trip. Alamere Falls provides a dramatic, beautiful landscape as the water crashes 40 feet and flows into the Pacific. There are several hiking route options, each around 14 miles roundtrip, so know ahead of time that you will have a full day of physical exertion. The falls draw extremely big crowds from San Francisco, so get there early and be prepared to share the beach with other waterfall-seekers!
Taughannock Falls
Photo credit: Ty Finck
Taughannock Falls State Park, New York
Taughannock Falls stand proudly as one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks of the Northeast and also the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River with a 215 foot plunge. It is easily accessible, but you can also view it via hiking trail if you wish! It carves a path through a gorge, making Taughannock a must-visit waterfall. Taughannock Falls State Park offers great outdoor recreation, such as hiking, swimming in Cayuga Lake, and camping.
Tip: The area of Finger Lakes in central New York is a fantastic destination come autumn-time due to the fall foliage, so if you can, plan to hit up this gorgeous waterfall when the red and orange leaves come out!
Havasupai Waterfalls
Photo credit: Colton James
Havasupai Indian Reservation, Arizona
These internationally known waterfalls are located on the Havasupai Reservation, known for their remote, unearthly beauty and location. It is in the southern corner of Grand Canyon National Park. The water of the falls and pools are cast in a surreal aqua-blue, making for an incredible spot to soak in—visually and physically! One important thing to note about the Havasupai Falls is that it is a destination, not a pitstop. A visit requires a 10-mile one-way moderately-strenuous hike and also requires a permit, annually limited due to the sheer number of travelers who would love to check this gorgeous spot off their bucket list.
Note: There are no day trips allowed—you must either camp or stay at the lodge. For the first time ever, the Havasupai Tribe is opening a special presale reservation system in 2024. This registration period will open at 8am MST on January 5, 2024, and remain open until January 18, 2024, allowing individuals to purchase a limited number of reservations before opening to the general public on February 1. The permits are highly competitive, so make sure that you are prepared.
You can find more information on the permitting system and best practices here.