Is there any more majestic than the sights and sounds of cascading water over steep cliffs or rocky gulches? If you agree, check out these Be Wild Eats favorite waterfall hikes for your next hiking or backpacking adventure!
ARIZONA
Mooney Falls. This waterfall is perhaps the most spectacular in all of the Grand Canyon region. Milky teal blue water cascades down 200 ft against a backdrop of red travertine and green foliage. Getting to the base of the falls is not for the faint of heart. This gem is located 10 miles in from the trailhead just past the Havasupai Campground. The steep descent to the base requires navigating a series of tunnels and chains attached to the rock wall.
Permits are required to visit this area and book up quickly. For the best luck, be flexible on your dates and plan for a short excursion.
CALIFORNIA
Illillouette Falls. Tucked away in the shadow of Half Dome hides this 381-foot waterfall. Less famous than other waterfalls in Yosemite, Illillouette is still impressive, pouring water into a narrow granite gorge. This waterfall is best seen from a hike (or in my case, a backpacking trip) starting from Glacier Point for a full view of the scenery.
Berry Creek Falls. It’s hard to imagine that you can be immersed in nature in a short drive 30-45 minute drive from the hustle of Silicon Valley. But you can! Big Basin State Park is situated in the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains and snuggled in amongst the park’s Redwood groves is Berry Creek Falls. Perhaps not the most dramatic waterfall, but the solitude amongst the giant trees makes it special. At the end of the 10-mile loop to see the falls, a ranger will reward you with a wooden coin to celebrate your accomplishment. Sadly, as of August 2020, this trail is closed due to wildfires. Looking forward to re-opening!
COLORADO
Hanging Lake. OK, maybe this is technically not a true waterfall hike, but a view well worth the short 3-mile round trip. A national natural landmark, the lake was created by a rare travertine deposit that hangs on the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon. The trailhead is easily accessed from I-70, making this a crowded spot on weekends. No dogs on the trail to protect the fragile ecosystem.
NEVADA
Galena Falls. Check out this waterfall on your way to summit Mt Rose, the highest peak in the Tahoe area.
OREGON
Multnomah. En route along the spectacular Columbia Gorge sits one of the top tourist sites in all of Oregon. Multnomah Falls is nearly 620 ft of glory that is a quick (if the lines aren’t too long) stop off I-84.
Tumalo Falls. Just outside of my home base in Bend, OR in the Deschutes National Forest is Tumalo Falls. The easy access from town makes this 97-ft waterfall a popular spot for tourists.
Have another favorite to add to the list? Leave your comment below!
