From a drive down Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles to hiking the exhilarating Grouse Grind in Vancouver, a West Coast cruise is filled with exciting destinations and iconic natural sights, each known for its renowned style and vibe.
For those who want to go waterfall trekking, many of the port towns and cities offer excellent opportunities to get up close to some roaring cascades as you make your way along the US West Coast. Here are some unmissable gems:
Yosemite Falls, California
Yosemite National Park may be better known for its towering granite cliffs and lush valleys, but it is also home to several waterfalls that come to life during spring after most of the snow has melted, typically in May and June.
Among them, the Yosemite Falls have a massive 740 m drop and flow from November through July, with peak flow in May. The falls are made up of three drops: Upper Yosemite, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite.
The falls are best seen from Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. You can also hike to the top of Yosemite Falls on a strenuous one-day climb.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Multnomah Falls are the tallest waterfalls in the US, which are open round the year and are one of the most visited of all natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest.
The flow from the 620-foot-high falls varies throughout the year and is at its peak during the spring and winter months. The falls lie within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and the most popular hike here is the Larch Mountain Trail at Multnomah Falls.
Iron Creek Falls, Washington
This hidden gem is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and looks like something out of a travel brochure.
The scenic falls plummet down from only 40 feet into a clear pool, but the refreshing mist and the surrounding rocks and shrubs make it an excellent spot for a photo shoot.
The falls are easily accessible by a well-marked trail, which is just off Forest Road 25, approximately 3.5 hours from Seattle and 2 hours from Portland.
Hanging Falls, Colorado
Though these falls are a bit off the beaten path and require some climbing to reach, the view from the spot is absolutely breathtaking—something like the famous Plitvice Park Falls, but without the hordes.
The crystal clear water from the Hanging Falls cascades down in a series of formations that glisten in the dappled sunlight falling from the overhaul canopy, creating an ultra-blue effect.
The trail starts near Glenwood Springs and takes about three hours to complete the 4-mile-long round trip.
Grand Falls, Arizona
Located 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff in the Navajo Nation, the Grand Falls fall 185 feet down certain times of the year, even though they are taller than the Niagara Falls.
Water cascades from a series of rocky terraces, creating quite a roar as the spray refracts sunlight into the glistening arcs, which look absolutely magnificent, especially after a heavy shower.
Ultimately, a West Coast travel experience is not just a journey – it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur. As you travel from the glamorous stretches of Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles to the exhilarating hikes of Vancouver’s Grouse Grind, each waterfall becomes a chapter in the story of this stunning region. These cascading wonders, from the mighty Yosemite Falls to the serene Iron Creek Falls, are nature’s own masterpieces that invite you to pause, explore, and create memories that last a lifetime. So, whether you’re an avid trekker or simply seeking a moment of tranquillity, let these remarkable sights inspire your next adventure along the US West Coast.
