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Places with waterfalls attract travellers with their natural beauty and unique surroundings. These locations range from secluded spots in dense forests to well-known attractions near urban centers. Many waterfalls are part of national parks or protected reserves, offering hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Some feature cascading streams that flow into clear pools, making them popular for swimming. Others are known for their striking rock formations and seasonal variations.
Top 10 Places With Waterfalls To Explore
Discover some of the most captivating places with waterfalls, each offering distinct features, natural surroundings, and experiences to die for.
1. Portland, USA
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Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Latourell Falls provide distinct waterfall experiences in Portland. Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet in two stages, offering scenic views from Benson Bridge. Wahkeena Falls presents a tiered cascade, creating a refreshing atmosphere along hiking trails. Latourell Falls flows dramatically over basalt formations, contrasting against lush greenery. These waterfalls are within the Columbia River Gorge, drawing visitors throughout the year. Whether hiking, photographing, or admiring the scenery, this region offers countless opportunities to appreciate nature’s beauty.
Major Waterfalls: Multnomah, Wahkeena, Latourell
Best Activities: Hiking + bridge viewing at Benson Bridge, photography, picnics
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Reykjavik grants access to Iceland’s remarkable waterfalls, including Gullfoss, Öxarárfoss, and Glymur. Gullfoss features a powerful two-tiered drop, creating a misty atmosphere as it rushes through the Golden Circle. Öxarárfoss, located within Thingvellir National Park, holds historical significance while offering striking views. Glymur, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, requires a demanding hike but rewards with expansive valley scenery. These waterfalls display Iceland’s geological wonders, attracting nature enthusiasts eager to explore their raw beauty and the surrounding volcanic formations.
Major Waterfalls: Gullfoss, Öxarárfoss, Glymur
Best Activities: Golden Circle tour, horseback riding, canyon hikes
3. Vancouver, Canada
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere
Vancouver’s surroundings include Shannon Falls, Cypress Falls, and Norvan Falls, each offering distinct experiences. Shannon Falls, standing at 1,100 feet, is easily viewed from Highway 99, with trails leading to closer viewpoints. Cypress Falls, hidden within a dense forest, creates a tranquil setting with multiple cascades. Norvan Falls requires a moderate trek through wooded trails before revealing a secluded waterfall. These natural sites provide excellent spots for photography, hiking, and appreciating the diverse environments around Vancouver.
Major Waterfalls: Shannon, Cypress, Norvan
Best Activities: Short trail hikes, falls photography, waterfall side picnicking
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Photo: Luka Fernandes / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Cape Town is home to Cecilia Waterfall, Skeleton Gorge Waterfall, and Krom River Waterfall, each contributing to the region’s outdoor appeal. Cecilia Waterfall lies within the forested trails of Table Mountain, offering a quiet hiking experience. Skeleton Gorge Waterfall is part of a scenic route leading to Maclear’s Beacon, rewarding hikers with expansive city views. Krom River Waterfall, accessible with a permit, features refreshing pools perfect for cooling off after a hike. These sites highlight Cape Town’s natural variety.
Major Waterfalls: Cecilia, Skeleton Gorge, Krom River
Best Activities: Mountain hikes, Cape Town views, refreshing dip in pools
5. San José, Costa Rica
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San José provides access to La Paz Waterfall, Bajos del Toro Waterfall, and Los Chorros Waterfalls, each offering unique experiences. La Paz Waterfall Gardens features multiple cascades within a lush rainforest, complemented by wildlife exhibits. Bajos del Toro Waterfall dramatically drops 295 feet into a volcanic canyon, surrounded by cloud forest vegetation. Los Chorros Waterfalls consist of smaller cascades feeding into clear pools, inviting visitors to cool off. These destinations highlight Costa Rica’s diverse natural environment and rich biodiversity.
Major Waterfalls: La Paz, Bajos del Toro, Los Chorros
Best Activities: Wildlife gardens, canyoning, waterfall swimming
6. Quito, Ecuador
Photo: Robert Linsdell / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Quito’s surrounding areas include Pita Waterfall, Condor Machay Waterfall, and San Rafael Waterfall, each known for its distinct characteristics. Pita Waterfall rushes through rugged surroundings, offering adventurous trails and impressive rock formations. Condor Machay Waterfall, named after the Andean condor, is reachable through a stunning hike featuring a dramatic cascade. San Rafael Waterfall, formerly Ecuador’s largest, remains a significant landmark despite changes in water flow. These sites highlight Ecuador’s natural diversity and the region’s striking volcanic area.
Major Waterfalls: Pita, Condor Machay, San Rafael
Best Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, volcanic scenic views
7. Luang Prabang, Laos
Photo: Bill Salazar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Luang Prabang’s waterfalls include Kuang Si Falls, Tad Sae Waterfall, and Nam Dong Waterfall, each offering distinct experiences. Kuang Si Falls features striking turquoise pools and multiple cascades, drawing visitors seeking scenic beauty. Tad Sae Waterfall, best visited during the rainy season, provides refreshing pools perfect for swimming. Nam Dong Waterfall, set within a forested area, offers adventure activities such as zip-lining. These natural sites complement Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage, creating opportunities for both exploration and relaxation.
Major Waterfalls: Kuang Si, Tad Sae, Nam Dong
Best Activities: Swimming, nature trails, zip-lining
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Chiang Mai boasts waterfalls such as Mae Sa Waterfall, Wachirathan Waterfall, and Bua Thong Waterfall. Mae Sa Waterfall consists of multiple levels, making it a favourite among visitors exploring Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Wachirathan Waterfall, located on the way to Doi Inthanon, generates a strong mist as it crashes onto rocks below. Bua Thong Waterfall, or Sticky Waterfall, stands out for its mineral-coated rocks that allow visitors to climb effortlessly. These waterfalls provide excellent options for outdoor adventures.
Major Waterfalls: Mae Sa, Wachirathan, Bua Thong
Best Activities: Waterfall basin swimming, forest hikes, climbing sticky falls
9. Medellín, Colombia
Photo: LigaDue / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Medellín’s nearby waterfalls, including Salto del Buey, Cascada El Silencio, and Chorros de San Luis, provide diverse experiences. Salto del Buey plunges 328 feet, attracting adventure seekers with zip-lining and canyoning options. Cascada El Silencio, hidden within a cloud forest, offers a scenic retreat for those seeking a moderate hike. Chorros de San Luis features multiple streams flowing into natural pools, creating a peaceful setting. These waterfalls enhance Medellín’s reputation as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Waterfalls: Salto del Buey, Cascada El Silencio, Chorros de San Luis
Best Activities: Canyoning, hiking, swimming pools
10. Kyoto, Japan
Photo: Steven Diaz stevendiazphoto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kyoto’s waterfalls include Nunobiki Falls, Ryumon Falls, and Kanabiki Falls, each contributing to the region’s natural charm. Nunobiki Falls, a series of four cascades near Kobe, is accessible via a short hike from Shin-Kobe Station. Ryumon Falls, known for its two-tiered drop, is tied to historical legends and offers a peaceful setting. Kanabiki Falls, located in the Tango Peninsula, remains a quiet spot for nature appreciation. These waterfalls provide a refreshing complement to Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Major Waterfalls: Nunobiki, Ryumon, Kanabiki
Best Activities: Cultural hikes, fall foliage viewing, shrine visits
Places with waterfalls provide diverse experiences, from trekking through dense forests to witnessing falling streams in rugged valleys. Some locations feature hidden pools for swimming, while others offer viewpoints overlooking dramatic drops. These sites appeal to adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and cultural exploration. Plan your journey with TripXL and discover breathtaking waterfalls that blend scenic beauty with outdoor adventure.
Cover Photo: Magnus D’Great M / Pexels
