Alta Picks: Go Chase Waterfalls
From Yosemite to hidden Oregon gems, these West Coast waterfalls are at their peak now. Don’t miss your chance to chase these seasonal stunners.
The 1990s R&B group TLC famously suggested that listeners “don’t go chasing waterfalls,” but when spring hits the West Coast, we’ve got to disagree. As the Sierra snow melts, many of the region’s waterfalls explode into breathtaking (and very literal) forces of nature. There are countless waterfalls throughout the West, including some so secret that online enthusiasts plead with those in the know not to reveal their whereabouts and others located on private land that would require one to trespass to witness their beauty. Those precious falls didn’t make our list. Still, narrowing down the public cascades most worthy of your hiking efforts was a challenge, given the West’s geographic propensity for moving water downhill. The 10 waterfalls you’ll find in Alta Picks vary from world-famous and easy to access to under the radar and at the end of a long trail. All of them are stunners, especially during this peak waterfall season. Spring has sprung—go chase a waterfall.•
PROXY FALLS
Willamette National Forest, Oregon
Two powerful tiers make this waterfall (pictured in the background) the marvel it is—and one of Oregon’s most frequently photographed. Fed by natural springs and cascading over steps of columnar basalt, Proxy Falls stands 226 feet high. Be sure to catch it from all angles, as its appearance changes dramatically from top to bottom.
When to visit: To see this waterfall in all its glory, visit between April and June, when the waters are raging.
Best vista point: Follow the Proxy Falls Trailhead to reach either Lower Proxy Falls or Upper Proxy Falls. If you have time, explore both—but for superior views, Lower Proxy Falls is your safest bet.
YOSEMITE FALLS
Yosemite National Park, California
There’s a reason this waterfall bears Yosemite’s name. The world-famous grand falls are made up of three commanding tiers and stand 2,425 feet high—the sixth-tallest waterfall in the world. Fed by snowmelt, its powerful cascades have solidified its status as one of the globe’s most iconic waterfalls.
When to visit: Make the journey to this icon in late spring or early summer, when its cascades are at their most forceful.
Best vista point: Head over to Yosemite Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge. There’s a one-mile trail from the shuttle stop to the base of Yosemite Falls, but if you’re in the mood for an all-day hike, there’s also a trail to the top.
RAINBOW FALLS
Mammoth Lakes, California
Named for the rainbows its mist creates on sunny days, this stunner of a 101-foot waterfall is stationed within Devils Postpile National Monument. The falls flow from the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, and of the eight waterfalls there, Rainbow Falls stands out as the tallest and most dramatic as it crashes into its pool below.
When to visit: One can typically visit Devils Postpile National Monument from June to October, and the falls shine brightest between spring and summer.
Best vista point: The Rainbow Falls overlook is 2.5 miles from the Devils Postpile Ranger Station.
BURNEY FALLS
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California
Sure, Burney Falls is not the tallest or the largest waterfall in the state of California. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer beauty. Fed from Burney Creek and natural springs that emerge from the cliffside, this is a sight you won’t want to miss. Venture the classic Pacific Crest Trail to find this gem.
When to visit: The best time to visit Burney Falls is spring—specifically, early April to May, when the cascade is at its peak and the weather lends itself to a nice hike and picnic.
Best vista point: An ideal viewing spot is the Burney Falls Overlook, which offers a breathtaking panorama. From there, a paved 0.3-mile trail leads to the base of the waterfall.
MCWAY FALLS
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California
This unique 80-foot waterfall sets itself apart from the others on the list by where it drops—directly onto a beach, in McWay Cove. During high tide, McWay Falls constitutes a rare tidefall, spilling straight into the Pacific Ocean. Even during low tide, the picture-perfect sight of the waterfall pouring onto the sandy shore is nothing short of mesmerizing.
When to visit: This waterfall flows year-round, making it a must-see for anyone traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Best vista point: Take the aptly named Waterfall Overlook Trail to enjoy a bird’s-eye view.
TOKETEE FALLS
Clearwater, Oregon
One of Oregon’s most renowned waterfalls, Toketee Falls rushes over two stunning tiers. Located in Umpqua National Forest and framed by a striking basalt formation, the cascade falls from 113 feet—with the first tier descending only 28 feet and the second, 85-foot drop plunging into the pool below.
When to visit: Because of the steady current of the North Umpqua River, this waterfall has the benefit of flowing nearly all year long.
Best vista point: At the end of Toketee Falls Trail, you’ll find a relatively easy 0.8-mile hike with a few stairs to take in the view from a convenient platform.
KOOSAH FALLS
Sisters, Oregon
Standing about half a mile away from Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls plunges 74 feet into a large pool. Both waterfalls are part of the McKenzie River watershed, surrounded by the greenery of the Willamette National Forest, and offer stunning, picturesque views.
When to visit: To see Koosah Falls at its most powerful, be sure to arrive between March and May.
Best vista point: Follow the Waterfalls Loop Trail past Sahalie Falls until you reach a lookout just off the trail.
MULTNOMAH FALLS
Multnomah County, Oregon
Out of all the United States’ year-round waterfalls, Multnomah Falls is among the tallest—making it one of Oregon’s most visited landmarks. Fed by snowmelt and rainwater, the falls plummet 620 feet. While crowds are common, the breathtaking vista—crisscrossed by a picturesque bridge, no less—is well worth the trek amid fellow tourists.
When to visit: The falls flow year-round, but a reservation is necessary if you plan to visit between late May and early September.
Best vista point: On a trail that starts from the Multnomah Falls visitor center is Benson Bridge, a beautiful spot to observe this majestic waterfall.
PALOUSE FALLS
LaCrosse, Washington
As Washington’s official state waterfall, Palouse Falls is every bit as magnificent as you’d hope. Created more than 13,000 years ago by the Ice Age floods, this waterfall boasts a history as remarkable as its beauty. Palouse Falls plunges nearly 200 feet into its massive natural bowl in the earth, eventually making its way to the Snake River.
When to visit: The falls flow year-round, but a visit between April and July is sure to impress even the most experienced waterfall lover.
Best vista point: Located within the Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site, the waterfall can be admired from three viewing areas, the lowest of which is near the parking lot.
HAVASU FALLS
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Ever seen a postcard-worthy picture of a waterfall tumbling into turquoise rivers? You might have been looking at an image of Havasu Falls. This seemingly tropical paradise, located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, is truly awe-inspiring and worth seeing in person.
When to visit: It’s hot here, so the best time to visit this natural wonder is during the spring or fall months, when temperatures in the region usually stay below 100 degrees.
Best vista point: Since the waterfall is within the Havasupai reservation, all visitors need a permit. Once inside, brace for a challenging 10-mile hike from the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot to access the falls.
Elizabeth Casillas is an assistant editor at Alta Journal. A graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, she has previously written for the Poly Post and Enspire Magazine.
Beth Spotswood is Alta's special projects director. In addition to her work for Alta, Spotswood has contributed to 7x7 Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, Discovery Channel, Slow News Day, KGO Radio, SFist and the San Francisco Chronicle, where she had her own weekly column in the Thursday edition of the newspaper. Spotswood's work in Alta has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club, Los Angeles Press Club, and the FOLIO Awards.
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