What is it with Waterfalls?

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

Waterfalls never lose their allure. We’ve seen dozens of them across the U.S., from mighty Niagara in New York to McWay Falls in California’s Big Sur, one of the few in the world to pour directly into an ocean. And yet we never tire of them. In fact, we still seek them out.

We hit the waterfall mother lode near Portland, Oregon, where more than 77 of them flow in a national scenic area a short drive from the city. The area around Crater Lake in the southern part of the state is rife with them, too. But it turns out Oregon has even more waterfalls flowing within her borders.

Of the cascades along the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, a short drive from Salem, one in particular is a standout for the unusual way it’s presented. While following a forested path, teasing views of South Falls can be seen through the trees.

South Falls Silver Falls State Park

South Falls as seen from the Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park

Emerging from the wooded area brings an unobstructed view of the graceful, 177-foot waterfall off in the distance. What makes this waterfall special, though, is how the horseshoe-shaped trail winds behind the veil of rushing water for an up-close look at this powerful and elegant natural wonder.

South Falls Silver Falls State Park Oregon

The trail leading behind the cascade sets South Falls apart from so many others we’ve seen

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25 Comments on “What is it with Waterfalls?”

  1. oawritingspoemspaintings April 7, 2014 at 8:43 am #

    So true! Waterfalls never loses it’s power of fascination on its public, for me it’s seeing these huge amount of water falling & producing massive force in the process.
    Good post, well described with lovely shots to match 🙂

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    • Brian April 8, 2014 at 3:36 am #

      So true. The power of falling water is pretty amazing.

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  2. highland hind April 7, 2014 at 8:46 am #

    These are great pix. I so want to be on that train behind the water!

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  3. highland hind April 7, 2014 at 8:47 am #

    Sorry, I meant trail!

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  4. rainbowrucksack April 7, 2014 at 9:55 am #

    great blogg nice pictures

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  5. mytimetotravel April 7, 2014 at 10:44 am #

    Err, what happened to Spain?

    I am a big fan of waterfalls, too. I was impressed by Niagara, but a couple of years back I discovered that it was easily outclassed by the Igauzu falls on the Argentina/Brazil/Paraguay border.

    See: http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/South-America-2012/Iguazu/ and http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/South-America-2012/Foz-do-Iguaçu-Iguazu-Brazil/

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    • Brian April 8, 2014 at 3:34 am #

      Err, patience grasshopper. 😉

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    • writecrites April 9, 2014 at 5:47 pm #

      I know what you mean about Iguazu. We were just there last November, and it was indeed amazing. I’ve got one pic up on my blog, but must get busy and do the rest. Thanks for the impetus.

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  6. jmeyersforeman April 7, 2014 at 1:21 pm #

    I too love the waterfalls, Yellowstone Park has some wonderful waterfalls, if you get a chance to visit I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
    I understand there are even a few in Spain, let us know if you spot any…..

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  7. Shikha Kothari April 7, 2014 at 1:32 pm #

    Beautiful pictures… I agree, there is something about waterfalls. I for one go to great lengths (quite literally) to seek them. After reading this post, Oregon has moved up my list of places to visit in the US.

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    • Brian April 8, 2014 at 3:30 am #

      We’re big fans of Oregon. Beautiful state.

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  8. Shereen April 7, 2014 at 4:47 pm #

    I’ve always really loved waterfalls and definitely one of those people that seek them out when traveling or even in my local area. Hamilton, Ontario has about 34 waterfalls as it goes around the Niagara escarpment.

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    • Brian April 8, 2014 at 3:32 am #

      The banner photo of Niagara was taken from the Ontario side, but we didn’t get out to see any others while we were there that I recall. Something for next time, I guess.

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  9. where food is, i am April 7, 2014 at 6:39 pm #

    Waterfalls are truly the best!

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  10. heavenhappens April 7, 2014 at 6:39 pm #

    This is amazing – 77 waterfalls must be a spectacular site. I blogged about the 33 waterfalls in Russia once. I really enjoyed your post and wonderful photos x

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  11. andytallman101 April 7, 2014 at 10:15 pm #

    I have also wondered what exactly the appeal is to waterfalls, as well as every other body of water (the sea, lakes, rivers). There’s undeniably something about it that we find calming and beautiful, but I’m not sure why (though I have theories).
    PS. Perhaps you can add Russell Falls in Tasmania, Australia to your list of falls you want to see in your life. Was there recently and it was breathtaking.

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    • Brian April 8, 2014 at 3:28 am #

      We’re very much looking forward to getting to both Tasmania and Australia. We had not previously heard of these falls so thanks for the tips.

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  12. Touring NH April 8, 2014 at 6:15 am #

    Another great place in the States to see waterfall is Watkin’s Glen State Park in NY. I was there a few years ago and it is fabulous. Looking forward to the falls you find on your newest adventure!

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    • Brian April 8, 2014 at 11:49 am #

      One of our favorite places too.

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  13. living a feral life April 8, 2014 at 9:39 am #

    Don’t go chasing waterfalls….err, nevermind! Do! When we know one is near, we’ll hunt it out. What lovely pictures!!! Now I am ready to go to Oregon

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