OutsideApr 1
The 5 Best Waterfalls to Visit During the Spring Snowmelt
Despite the dry winter, spring is when waterfalls are at their most breathtaking. Witness a snowmelt waterfall firsthand in these five locations.
A two to three hour out-and-back climb for close views.
18 things in this story
- Yosemite FallsSightOne of North America's tallest, plunges 2,425 feet.
- Upper Yosemite FallsTrailA two to three hour out-and-back climb for close views.
- Vernal FallsSightA 317-foot waterfall located on the Merced River.
- Nevada FallsSightA 594-foot waterfall located on the Merced River.
- Bridalveil FallsSightHangs from the south side of Yosemite Valley at 620 feet.
- Yosemite National ParkSightRequires a standard, annual, or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Yosemite Falls webcamPlaceSet up by Yosemite Conservancy for virtual viewing.
- Elsewhere
- Shoshone FallsSightTwin Falls, United StatesKnown as the “Niagara of the West,” 212 feet high.
- Shoshone Falls ParkSightTwin Falls, United StatesEntrance fee covers falls, lake, and canyon rim trail.
- Snoqualmie FallsSightSnoqualmie, United StatesDramatic 268-foot drop near Seattle on the Cascade Range.
- Snoqualmie Falls TrailTrailSnoqualmie, United StatesA 1.5-mile out-and-back with a view of the falls.
- Upper Mesa FallsSightAshton, United StatesOne of the last significantly sized undammed waterfalls.
- Mesa Falls Visitor CenterSightAshton, United StatesOpen daily in summer with trail information available.
- Mesa Falls Nature TrailTrailAshton, United StatesTwo-mile out-and-back to see both upper and lower falls.
- Palouse FallsSightWalla Walla, United StatesPlunges 200 feet into a tight, basalt canyon.
- Palouse Falls State ParkSightWalla Walla, United StatesOffers 94 acres of recreational area and hiking trails.
- Lyons Ferry State ParkSightWalla Walla, United StatesNearby park with swimming and picnicking spots.
- Canyon Rim TrailTrailTwin Falls, United States