Waterfalls have a way of mesmerizing you as you watch the thunderous waters roar down from their mountain cliffs. Our own Alaska highways are speckled with these beautiful wonders. A road trip down the Richardson Highway to Valdez can only be described as breathtaking. Going Outside for a vacation? Why not pick a spot where the waters rage wild?
The Grand Canyon has three spectacular falls to explore. The most visited is Havasu Falls, which has a small cave behind the falls that you can swim to. Mooney Falls has a large pool that allows for cliff diving, although extreme caution is suggested. Beaver Falls is a set of smaller falls and is the most difficult to get to.
Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River, on the border between the United States and Canada, is composed of three separate waterfalls; Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. As a longtime favorite spot for weddings, family vacations and other romantic excursions, it offers plenty to do and lots of great places to stays around the falls.
Yosemite Falls in California is the highest waterfall in North America. A strenuous 3.5 mile hike from the Sunnyside Walk-in Campground will get you to the top of the falls. Camping isn't your only option at the park. The Yosemite Lodge at the Falls offers a rustic, modern retreat with a restaurant boasting a full view of the falls.
Just 29 miles from downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is the perfect side trip during a Seattle vacation. Viewing and hiking trails around the falls are free and open to the public. Just watch where you step; the banana slugs are huge around the misty, muddy falls.
Trip Tracker is compiled by Joy Guest. Is there a vacation or excursion that interests you? E-mail jguest@adn.com or comment online at adn.com/life/travel.
"Welcome! My wife and I love waterfalls! In fact, we love them so much that we've created this website to share information, photos, and travel stories about the falls we have personally visited around the world." -- www.world-of-waterfalls.com